English Reference
adjective · preposition · noun · adverb

opposite

adj. · prep. · n. · adv.
US /ˈɑpəzət/ UK /ˈɒpəsˌɪt/ op·po·site UK spelling opposites

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    adj.being on the other side of a space, like a street or a room.

    adj.located directly across from something else or from each other in space.

    Simple

    They live in the house on the opposite side of the street.

    In context

    The two shops are situated on opposite corners of the intersection, making them easy to compare for passing shoppers.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    adj.completely different from something else.

    adj.of a nature or character that is as different as possible from something else.

    Simple

    The two brothers have opposite personalities; one is shy and the other is loud.

    In context

    The candidates hold opposite views on economic policy, leading to a heated debate during the televised forum.

  3. 03 A2 Elementary

    prep.facing someone or something.

    prep.positioned in a location facing or across from a specified person or object.

    Simple

    I sat opposite him during the long dinner and we talked for hours.

    In context

    The new gallery is located directly opposite the museum entrance, benefiting from the high volume of foot traffic in the area.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    n.a person or thing that is the total reverse of another.

    n.a person or thing that is totally different from or the reverse of someone or something else.

    Simple

    Hot is the opposite of cold.

    In context

    In many ways, the sequel was the exact opposite of the original film, trading quiet suspense for loud action sequences.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adv.in a position that faces something else.

    adv.in a position across from or facing another specified point.

    Simple

    He sat down and his sister sat opposite.

    In context

    The two buildings were designed to mirror each other, with identical windows placed exactly opposite.

  6. 06 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    adj.leaves or flowers that grow in pairs on both sides of a stem.

    adj.describing leaves or flowers that are positioned in pairs directly across from each other on a stem.

    Simple

    You can identify this plant by its opposite leaves that grow in pairs.

    In context

    The species is characterised by its opposite leaf arrangement, which distinguishes it from similar-looking shrubs in the same region.

  7. 07 C1 Advanced Technical Math

    n.a number that, when added to another number, results in zero.

    n.the additive inverse of a number; the value that yields zero when added to the original number.

    Simple

    The opposite of five is negative five.

    In context

    Students must understand that adding a number to its opposite will always result in a sum of zero.

    additive inverse

Usage opposite direction · opposite directions


Inherited from Middle English opposit, borrowed from Old French oposite, from Latin oppositus, perfect passive participle of oppōnō (“to oppose”). Compare oppose.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French oposite
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Common
Updated