Opposite: meaning, definitions and examples

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opposite

 

[ ˈɒpəzɪt ]

Adjective / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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

Translations of the word "opposite" in other languages:

🇵🇹 oposto

🇮🇳 विपरीत

🇩🇪 Gegenteil

🇮🇩 berlawanan

🇺🇦 протилежний

🇵🇱 przeciwieństwo

🇯🇵 反対

🇫🇷 opposé

🇪🇸 opuesto

🇹🇷 zıt

🇰🇷 반대

🇸🇦 عكس

🇨🇿 opačný

🇸🇰 opačný

🇨🇳 相反

🇸🇮 nasprotno

🇮🇸 andstæða

🇰🇿 қарама-қарсы

🇬🇪 საპირისპირო

🇦🇿 əks

🇲🇽 opuesto

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,415, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.