Main Entry: ¹op·po·site

Pronunciation: \ˈä-pə-zət, ˈäp-sət\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin oppositus, past participle of opponere

Date: 14th century

1 a : set over against something that is at the other end or side of an intervening line or space <opposite interior angles> <opposite ends of a diameter> b : situated in pairs on an axis with each member being separated from the other by half the circumference of the axis <opposite leaves> — compare alternate
2 a : occupying an opposing and often antagonistic position <opposite sides of the question> b : diametrically different (as in nature or character) <opposite meanings>
3 : contrary to one another or to a thing specified : reverse <gave them opposite directions>
4 : being the other of a pair that are corresponding or complementary in position, function, or nature <members of the opposite sex>
5 : of, relating to, or being the side of a baseball field that is near the first base line for a right-handed batter and near the third base line for a left-handed batter

— op·po·site·ly adverb

— op·po·site·ness noun

synonyms opposite, contradictory, contrary, antithetical mean being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable. opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict <opposite views on foreign aid>. contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid <made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall>. contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition <contrary assessments of the war situation>. antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition <a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy>.