'antitype' originates from Greek elements: the prefix 'anti-' meaning 'against' or 'opposite' and 'typos' meaning 'impression, model, figure'.

'antitype' was formed in post-classical/early modern English (first recorded use in the 17th century) by combining Greek-derived elements 'anti-' + 'type' (with 'type' itself coming from Greek 'typos' via Latin/French) and was used particularly in theological writings to contrast 'type' and its fulfillment.

Initially used chiefly in theological contexts to mean 'the thing that fulfills or corresponds to an earlier type', it later broadened to a general sense of 'counterpart' or 'direct opposite' in nontechnical usage.