Word
opposite
Phoneticsop·po·site, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɑpəzət/
UK/ˈɒpəsˌɪt/
Definitions
01facing or across from
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.
“They live in the house on the opposite side of the street.”
“The two shops are situated on opposite corners of the intersection, making them easy to compare for passing shoppers.”
02completely different
B1 · Intermediate
adj. completely different from something else.
adj. of a nature or character that is as different as possible from something else.
“The two brothers have opposite personalities; one is shy and the other is loud.”
“The candidates hold opposite views on economic policy, leading to a heated debate during the televised forum.”
Synonyms
03across from
A2 · Elementary
prep. facing someone or something.
prep. positioned in a location facing or across from a specified person or object.
“I sat opposite him during the long dinner and we talked for hours.”
“The new gallery is located directly opposite the museum entrance, benefiting from the high volume of foot traffic in the area.”
Synonyms
04the reverse thing
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
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.
“Hot is the opposite of cold.”
“In many ways, the sequel was the exact opposite of the original film, trading quiet suspense for loud action sequences.”
Antonyms
05in a facing position
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a position that faces something else.
adv. in a position across from or facing another specified point.
“He sat down and his sister sat opposite.”
“The two buildings were designed to mirror each other, with identical windows placed exactly opposite.”
Synonyms
06botany
C1 · Advanced Science Technical
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.
“You can identify this plant by its opposite leaves that grow in pairs.”
“The species is characterised by its opposite leaf arrangement, which distinguishes it from similar-looking shrubs in the same region.”
Antonyms
07mathematics
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Mathematics Technical
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.
“The opposite of five is negative five.”
“Students must understand that adding a number to its opposite will always result in a sum of zero.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “opposite” in context.
Real-World Examples
“At a time when the dollar is strong, the two countries are headed in opposite directions.” “There's also a body of evidence to suggest that opposites repel – particularly around views and values.” “Why do some words have an opposite, but others don’t?” Etymology
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.
Related words
Idioms
01. opposite number
Grammar
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
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