The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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opposite

adjective

/ˈɒp ə zɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of opposite

Directly contrary or completely different from another in nature, direction, or position.
"The north and south poles are located at opposite ends of the Earth."

Detailed meaning of opposite

It indicates a relationship of complete contrast, presenting a contrasting quality, characteristic, or orientation. When two things are described as opposite, they stand in opposition or as mirror images of each other, often highlighting a clear distinction or polarity. The term can refer to contrasting ideas, opinions, viewpoints, personalities, directions, or even physical locations. It emphasizes the presence of two entities or concepts that are diametrically opposed, presenting a stark juxtaposition or contrast. The adjective 'opposite' signifies a relationship of opposition, complementarity, or inversion, emphasizing the fundamental differences between the two subjects being compared.

Example sentences containing opposite

1. The opinions of the two politicians are often polar opposite.
2. Her values and beliefs are completely opposite to mine.
3. The car was parked on the opposite side of the street.
4. The weather today is the opposite of what we expected.
5. Their personalities are nearly opposite in every way.
6. The restaurant is located on the opposite end of town.

History and etymology of opposite

The adjective 'opposite' has its etymology in Latin, specifically from the word 'oppositus,' which is the past participle of the verb 'opponere.' 'Opponere' is a combination of 'ob' (meaning 'against') and 'ponere' (meaning 'to place' or 'to set'). This etymological origin underscores the core meaning of 'opposite' as something that is directly contrary or completely different from another in nature, direction, or position. When 'opposite' was adopted into English, it retained this essential sense, describing things or entities that are positioned or oriented in a way that is diametrically opposed to each other. Whether in terms of spatial location, characteristics, or opinions, 'opposite' embodies the concept of stark contrast, reflecting its linguistic roots in Latin.

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Further usage examples of opposite

1. The twins have opposite tastes when it comes to fashion.
2. The opposite shore seemed so far away as they swam.
3. In a twist of fate, they found themselves on opposite teams.
4. The music styles of the two bands are polar opposite.
5. She lives on the opposite side of the country now.
6. Their goals and ambitions are quite opposite.
7. His reaction was the complete opposite of what she expected.
8. The colors of their outfits are the opposite of each other.
9. In a room full of introverts, he stood out as the opposite.
10. The two cultures have opposite traditions and customs.
11. Their personalities clashed because they were so opposite.
12. The mountain peaks rise on opposite sides of the valley.
13. The movie's message is the exact opposite of the book's.
14. They were once inseparable, but now they're on opposite paths.
15. The red car parked on the opposite side of the street.
16. His opinion on the matter was completely opposite to mine.
17. The siblings had opposite personalities, with one being outgoing and the other shy.
18. She turned her chair to face the opposite direction.
19. The two teams held opposite positions on the controversial issue.
20. The artist used colors that were opposite on the color wheel to create contrast.
21. The twins had opposite tastes in music, with one favoring rock and the other preferring classical.
22. The morning commute traffic was moving smoothly, but the opposite lane was heavily congested.
23. They had opposite work schedules, with one working during the day and the other during the night.
24. The siblings' appearances were strikingly opposite, with one having fair skin and the other having dark complexion.
25. The restaurant served vegetarian and meat dishes, catering to customers with opposite dietary preferences.