Opposite Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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opposite
[ˈɒpəzɪt ]
Definitions
adjective
completely different; of a contrary kind
Synonyms
antithetical, conflicting, contrary, contrasting, reverse.
Examples of usage
- The weather today is the opposite of yesterday - sunny instead of rainy.
- She has a completely opposite opinion on the matter.
- Their personalities are opposite - one is outgoing and the other is shy.
- The two teams have opposite strategies for winning the game.
- His actions are always the opposite of what he says.
noun
a person or thing that is totally different from or the reverse of someone or something else
Synonyms
antithesis, contradiction, contrary, counterpart, reverse.
Examples of usage
- She is the opposite of what I expected - quiet instead of loud.
- His personality is the complete opposite of hers.
- In some cultures, black is considered the opposite of white.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Many psychological theories suggest that understanding opposites helps people learn and communicate better.
- Contrast and opposition play a crucial role in decision-making processes, helping individuals weigh different choices.
- Cognitive development in children often involves recognizing opposites, enhancing their understanding of the world.
Literature
- Authors often use opposites to create tension and highlight character differences in storytelling.
- In poetry, opposites can evoke strong emotions, contrasting joy with sorrow to deepen the reader’s experience.
- Famous literary works often explore themes of duality, such as light and dark, good and evil, representing opposites in human experience.
Science
- In physics, concepts like positive and negative charge represent opposites that are fundamental to understanding electricity.
- The theory of opposites is present in biology, such as the predator-prey relationship, representing balance in ecosystems.
- Chemistry often deals with opposite reactions, like acids and bases, which can create neutral solutions.
Pop Culture
- Many movies and TV shows explore the theme of opposites attracting, such as in romantic comedies where opposites fall in love.
- Popular song lyrics often highlight contrasts, making the idea of opposites relatable and catchy for listeners.
- Cartoons and animations frequently showcase characters who are opposites to create humor and conflict.
Origin of 'opposite'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'oppositus', which means 'placed against'.
- In ancient languages, the concept of opposition often referred to moral and philosophical ideas.
- The prefix 'op-' means 'against' in Latin, giving insight into the basic meaning.
The word 'opposite' originated from the Latin word 'oppositus', which is the past participle of 'opponere', meaning 'set against'. The concept of opposites has been present in human thought and language for centuries, reflecting the fundamental idea of contrasting elements. Understanding opposites is crucial for language, communication, and philosophical discussions.
See also: oppose, opposed, opposer, opposing, opposition, unopposed.