Opposite
ˈɒp.ə.zɪt
Definitions
3 meaningsBeing as different as possible; contrary.
ˈɒp.ə.zɪt
Being completely different or contrary.
Black and white are opposite colors.
💡 Simply: If something is opposite, it's like the total opposite! Think of hot and cold, or up and down. They can't be more different.
👶 For kids: When something is opposite, it's like it's the exact other thing, like day and night!
More Examples
Their personalities are completely opposite.
The opposite direction is always the most difficult to get through.
How It's Used
"The opposite ends of the spectrum"
"Opposite angles are formed when two lines intersect."
A person or thing that is completely different from another.
ˈɒp.ə.zɪt
A person or thing that is as different as possible from another.
He is the exact opposite of his twin brother.
💡 Simply: The 'opposite' is something or someone totally different. Imagine a shy person and a super-outgoing person. They are opposites!
👶 For kids: The opposite is like the thing that's totally different. If something is big, the opposite is small!
More Examples
The opposite of love is not hate, but indifference.
The novel's protagonist and antagonist are often presented as opposites.
How It's Used
"He is the complete opposite of his brother."
"The opposition party is the opposite of the current government."
Located across from; facing.
ˈɒp.ə.zɪt
Across from; facing.
The bakery is opposite the bank.
💡 Simply: If something is 'opposite,' it's like it's directly across from you. The store is opposite your house, meaning you're looking at it directly from your house.
👶 For kids: The opposite is like the thing that's right across from something else, like a park that's opposite a school!
More Examples
Her house is opposite mine.
The hotel stands opposite the lake, offering scenic views.
How It's Used
"The cafe is opposite the library."
"Australia is on the opposite side of the world from Europe."
Synonyms
Antagonistic
Contradictory
Contrary
Inverse
Opposing
Contrast
Counterpart
Facing
Idioms & expressions
the opposite sex
People who are not of the same gender.
"He was nervous about meeting girls because he was so shy around the opposite sex."
opposites attract
People who are very different from each other are often attracted to each other.
"She is very outgoing and he is shy, but opposites attract."
From Latin *oppositus* ("placed against, opposite"), past participle of *opponere* ("to set against, oppose"), from *ob-* ("against") + *ponere* ("to put, place").
The word 'opposite' has been used since the 14th century, originally derived from Latin, with its primary meaning of being placed against or facing.
Memory tip
Think of two things that are placed directly across from each other – completely different.