First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1opposite
adjective op·po·site \ˈä-pə-zət, ˈäp-sət\
: located at the other end, side, or corner of something : located across from something
: completely different
Full 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
See opposite defined for English-language learners
See opposite defined for kids
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Origin of OPPOSITE
Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin oppositus, past participle of opponere
Related to OPPOSITE
- Synonyms
- antipodal, antipodean, antithetical, contradictory, contrary, diametric (or diametrical), polar
- Antonyms
- noncontradictory
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>.
2opposite
noun
: someone or something that is completely different from someone or something else
: a word with a meaning that is completely different from the meaning of another word
Full Definition of OPPOSITE
1
: something that is opposed to some other often specified thing
2
: antonym
3
: additive inverse; especially : the additive inverse of a real number
See opposite defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of OPPOSITE
15th century
3opposite
adverb
: on the other side of someone or something : across from someone or something
Full Definition of OPPOSITE
: on or to an opposite side
See opposite defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of OPPOSITE
1667
4opposite
preposition
: on the other side of (something or someone) : across from (something or someone)
of an actor : in a play, movie, etc., with (another actor)
Full Definition of OPPOSITE
1
: across from and usually facing or on the same level with <sat opposite each other>
2
: in a role complementary to <played opposite the leading man in the comedy>
See opposite defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of OPPOSITE
1758
OPPOSITE Defined for Kids
1opposite
adjective op·po·site \ˈä-pə-zət\
Definition of OPPOSITE for Kids
1
: being at the other end, side, or corner <We live on opposite sides of the street.>
2
: being as different as possible <They ran in opposite directions.>
3
: being in a position to contrast with or cancel out <Consider the opposite side of the question.>
2opposite
noun
Definition of OPPOSITE for Kids
: either of two persons or things that are as different as possible <“Martin is some sort of angel; I'm the opposite.” — Brian Jacques, Redwall>
3opposite
adverb
Definition of OPPOSITE for Kids
: on the other side of someone or something : across from <He lives in the house opposite to mine.>
4opposite
preposition
Definition of OPPOSITE for Kids
: across from (someone or something) <The park is opposite our house.>
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