The negated opposites: A Study based on the rhetoric of idioms

Abstract

This research is based on the hypothesis that we cannot consider what is seemingly seen as antithesis semantically whether in imperative forms or positivity/negativity. The author found that some of the problematic structures among specialists regarding antithesis should be eliminated if they are only implied, regardless of meaning and purpose. In this study, antithesis is defined linguistically and is pursued in the Arabs’ language because this is the basis of scholarly arguments in the field of rhetoric. Therefore, the author undertook an applied study of antonyms among the rhetoricians to unravel any type of generalization that may not be considered antithesis. Accordingly, researchers have to find an alternative term that covers all structures. The Negated Opposite could be the most appropriate term that describes this phenomenon which is defined precisely.