opposite

¹op·po·site

adj \ˈä-pə-zət, ˈäp-sət\

Definition of OPPOSITE

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

Examples of OPPOSITE

1. The two boys lived on opposite sides of the street.
2. the opposite bank of the river
3. Fold the bottom right corner of the paper over to the opposite corner.
4. The two scientists had the same information but reached opposite conclusions.
5. They represent opposite sides of the issue.
6. They ran in opposite directions.
7. Her music is at the opposite end of the spectrum from the music her mother made.

Origin of OPPOSITE

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to OPPOSITE

Synonyms: antipodal, antipodean, antithetical, contradictory, contrary, diametric (or diametrical), polar

Antonyms: noncontradictory

Related Words: adverse, negative, unfavorable; antagonistic, antipathetic, counter, cross, hostile; converse, inverse, obverse, reverse; alien, disparate, dissimilar, divergent, unalike, unlike

Near Antonyms: alike, analogous, like, similar; equivalent, identical, same; synonymous

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Synonym Discussion of OPPOSITE

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>.