I. ˈäpəzə̇t, -psə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from opposite, adjective
1. obsolete
a. : the opposed point of the heavens
b. : opposition 1
2. : one that opposes: as
a. : one taking an opposite position (as on a public question) or exhibiting opposite qualities or characteristics
though twins they were complete opposites in temperament
b. archaic : antagonist , opponent
c. : the person occupying the position opposite to one's own in square dancing
3.
a. : something that is opposed to some other usually specified thing
vice and virtue are opposites
b. : antonym
what is the opposite of good
4.
a. : a proposition in logic that is characterized by opposition (sense 2a(2))
b. opposites plural : contrary terms
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin oppositus, past participle of opponere to place against — more at oppose
1.
a. : set over against something that is at the other end or side of an intervening line or space : facing: as
(1) of two sides of a quadrilateral : not adjacent : sharing no point at which the intervening space is zero
(2) of two angles formed by the intersection of a pair of lines : having contact only at the apex, sharing no common side, and usually having a combined magnitude of other than 180 degrees
(3) of two points on the circumference of a circle : terminating the same diameter
b.
(1) : situated in pairs on an axis each being separated from the other by half the circumference of the axis — used especially of leaves; compare phyllotaxy
(2) of floral parts : superposed
(3) : situated side by side
bordered pits opposite
— distinguished from alternate
2.
a. : opposed , hostile
belonged to the opposite faction
opposite sides of the question
b. : diametrically different : contrary , antagonistic , antonymic
opposite meanings
3. : being the other of a matching or contrasting pair : corresponding or complementary in position, function, or nature
his courtesy toward all members of the opposite sex
the chess king is set up on a square of the opposite color
Synonyms:
contradictory , contrary , antithetical or antithetic , antipodal or antipodean , antonymous : opposite may apply to ideas, statements, conditions, or forces marked by sharp, unmistakable contrast, conflict, or antagonism
the reaction against the follies of the old rationalism has led them to the opposite extreme of irrationalism — M.R.Cohen
self-interest and sympathy, opposite in quality — John Dewey
contradictory applies to statements or tendencies that completely negate each other; it may imply that if one is true or valid, the other must be untrue or invalid
the reconciliation of the seemingly contradictory facts, that the power of the many over production is at once paramount and small — W.H.Mallock
contradictory predictions are being made, some gloomy, some optimistic — J.T.Farrell
contrary suggests extreme, perhaps diametrical, divergence or opposition
foolishly began to teach matters contrary to the faith, and in the end was condemned as a heretic — H.O.Taylor
contrary to general opinion young pilots are not the safest — H.G.Armstrong
this hypothesis is not only unfounded but contrary to all reasonable assumptions — Edward Westermarck
antithetical or antithetic may stress diametrical opposition, the contrast involved being useful to highlight a certain significance or nature
a combination of antithetical elements which are at eternal war with one another — W.S.Gilbert
the antithetic consciousness of alienation from, and of communion with, the unseen power which surrounds us — W.R.Inge
antipodal and antipodean indicate a diametrical opposition and also a remoteness, as though located at opposite poles of the earth
hunters, like pipe smokers, are recruited from two antipodal type of men — gentlemen and worthless loafers — D.C.Peattie
two men antipodean in all their tastes
antonymous refers to words expressing opposite meanings
hot and cold and antonymous
III. adverb
: on opposite sides : in an opposed position
IV. preposition
Etymology: opposite (II) & opposite (III)
1. : across an intervening space from and usually facing or on the same level with
make a check opposite a name
live opposite the post office
2. : in a role complementary to
played opposite the leading man