OPPOSITE

Definition of OPPOSITE

OPPOSITE Noun, Adjective and Adverb

Opposite is a versatile term that functions as a noun, an adjective and an adverb. As a noun, it refers to something or someone that is completely different or contrary in nature, quality, or direction to something else. As an adjective, it describes something situated or positioned on the other side or in the reverse direction of something else. As an Adverb it indicates the direction of a person or object. Here are several key aspects associated with the term opposite:

OPPOSITE as a noun

Contrary or Contrasting Entity: The noun form of opposite denotes a person, thing, or concept that contrasts with or is diametrically opposed to another entity. For example, in the context of personality traits, introversion and extroversion are often regarded as opposites, representing contrasting tendencies in social behavior.

Antonym: In linguistics, opposite serves as a term for words that express contrary meanings or concepts. Words like “hot” and “cold,” “light” and “dark,” or “fast” and “slow” are examples of opposites, representing polar extremes within a semantic relationship.

OPPOSITE as an adjective

Contrary in Position or Nature: When used as an adjective, opposite describes something located or situated in a position or direction that is diametrically opposed or facing away from something else. For instance, in a street layout, houses on opposite sides of the road face each other but are separated by the thoroughfare.

Reverse or Inverted: Opposite can also denote a reversal or inversion of a characteristic, quality, or condition. For example, turning a garment inside out makes its opposite side—the inner lining or reverse surface—visible, demonstrating a change in orientation or appearance.

OPPOSITE as an adverb (Less Commonly Used)

In a Contrary Manner: While less common, opposite can function as an adverb to indicate an action or movement conducted in a manner that is contrary or reverse to another action. For instance, one might say, “She walked opposite to the direction of the crowd,” indicating a movement in the reverse direction of the crowd’s movement.


Opposite is a versatile term that can function as a noun, adjective, and less commonly as an adverb, conveying notions of contrast, contradiction, reversal, or inversion in various contexts. Whether denoting contrary entities, contrasting positions, or reverse actions, the term opposite plays a significant role in language, communication, and conceptual understanding by highlighting differences and relationships between entities or phenomena.

OPPOSITE in a sentence

OPPPOSITE as an adjective in a sentence

  • The two houses were located on opposite sides of the street.
  • She held opposite views on the matter compared to her friend.
  • In the game of chess, the black pieces move in opposite directions from the white pieces.
  • The twins had opposite personalities; one was outgoing, while the other was shy.
  • The teacher wrote the opposite meanings of words on the chalkboard for the students to learn.
  • The restaurant was situated on the opposite corner of the block.
  • Their opinions were polar opposite, making compromise difficult.
  • The north and south poles are opposite ends of the Earth.

OPPPOSITE as a noun in a sentence

  • They were complete opposites, with conflicting interests and beliefs.
  • The magnet’s north pole attracts the south pole, and vice versa, due to their opposites.
  • The two characters in the story were portrayed as polar opposites.
  • Sometimes, it’s true what they say: opposites attract.
  • In mathematics, finding the opposite of a number involves changing its sign.
  • The yin and yang symbol represents the balance between opposites.
  • The debate showcased the clash between two opposites viewpoints.
  • They were like night and day, complete opposites in every way.

OPPPOSITE as an adverb in a sentence

  • She stood opposite him, staring into his eyes.
  • The two teams lined up opposite each other on the field.
  • The houses faced opposite directions, one towards the sunrise and the other towards the sunset.
  • The cars passed each other opposite directions on the narrow road.
  • They sat opposite each other at the table, engaged in deep conversation.
  • The signs pointed opposite ways, causing confusion among the travelers.
  • The twins always dressed opposite of each other, one in dark colors and the other in light.
  • The two candidates stood opposite sides of the stage during the debate.

Origin of OPPOSITE

The term opposite has its origins in the Latin word oppositus, which is the past participle of the verb opponere, meaning “to set against” or “to oppose.” Here’s the breakdown:

  • Oppositus (Latin): Derived from opponere, signifying “set against” or “oppose.”

Therefore, opposite originally referred to something situated or positioned against or facing something else, often in contrast or contradiction. Over time, its usage expanded to encompass concepts that are markedly different, contrasting, or antithetical to each other.

In contemporary usage, opposite typically denotes something that is diametrically opposed or contrasting in nature, direction, position, or meaning. It implies a relationship of contrast or opposition between two entities or concepts, highlighting their differences or antitheses.

Synonyms

  • Contrary
  • Divergent
  • Converse
  • Reverse
  • Antithetical
  • Polar
  • Counter
  • Inverse

Antonyms

  • Similar
  • Alike
  • Identical
  • Uniform
  • Comparable
  • Homogeneous
  • Parallel
  • Corresponding

Related

  • Contrast
  • Duality
  • Contradiction
  • Opposition
  • Reversal
  • Inversion
  • Disparity
  • Dichotomy

🌐 🇬🇧 OPPOSITE in other languages

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