opposite

/ˈɒpəzɪt/
adjectivenounBeginner directly facing or contrary
general

Directly facing or across from something or someone.

The two buildings are on opposite sides of the street.

The buildings are directly across from each other.

general

Contrary or in contrast to something.

His opinion is the opposite of mine.

His opinion is completely different from mine.

general

The reverse or contrary of something.

The opposite of 'hot' is 'cold'.

The word that means the reverse of 'hot' is 'cold'.

Collocations

on the opposite sidedirectly across fromthe opposite ofthe reverse or contrary of

Related Phrases

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Opposite' can describe physical position or abstract contrast.

Gold Rule

Adjective vs. Noun

As an adjective, it modifies nouns (e.g., 'opposite side'). As a noun, it refers to the contrary (e.g., 'the opposite of success').

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'opposit', from Old French 'opposite', from Latin 'oppositus', past participle of 'opponere' (to oppose).

📝Usage Notes

Can function as an adjective (e.g., 'opposite side') or a noun (e.g., 'the opposite of love is hate').

Word Breakdown

op-
against
prefix
+
-posite
placed
suffix
English Dictionary