对语(Antithesis)是指为了强调,通过平行的语法结构,设置反衬或对比的词语,这样的一种修辞手段。对语又称对偶,对句,反衬或对比。
例如:
1.The friends overstate his accomplishment; the enemies overstate his evil.朋友夸大他的成就;敌人夸大他的罪恶。
2.It(American imperialism) is the strongest in history and also the weakest in history.它(美帝国主义)在历史上是最强的,也是最弱的。
3.He that has never hoped can never despair.从没抱有希望的人决不会失去一切希望。
4.He demanded openly and unequivocally the disfranchisement of every Negro no matter what his education or fortune. He demanded the enfranchisement of every white man no matter what his status,education,fortune or work.他公开而明确地要求剥夺一切黑人的公民权,不论其所受教育程度高低,所占财产多寡;他要求给每一个白人以公民权,也不论其社会地位如何,受教育程度高低,财产多寡,何种职业。