[op.po.site] adj [ME, fr. MF, fr. L oppositus, pp. of opponere] (14c) 1 a: set over against something that is at the other end or side of an intervening line or space "~ interior angles" "~ ends of a diameter" b: situated in pairs on an axis with each member being separated from the other by half the circumference of the axis "~ leaves"--compare alternate
2. a: occupying an opposing and often antagonistic position "~ sides of the question" b: diametrically different (as in nature or character) "~ meanings"
3: contrary to one another or to a thing specified: reverse "gave them ~ directions"
4: being the other of a pair that are corresponding or complementary in position, function, or nature "members of the ~ sex"
5: of, relating to, or being the side of a baseball field that is near the first base line for a right-handed batter and near the third base line for a left-handed batter -- op.po.site.ly adv -- op.po.site.ness n syn opposite, contradictory, contrary, antithetical mean being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable. opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict "opposite views on foreign aid". contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid "made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall". contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition "contrary assessments of the war situation". antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition "a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy".
[2]opposite n (15c) 1: something that is opposed to some other often specified thing
2: antonym
3: additive inverse; esp: the additive inverse of a real number [3]opposite adv (1667): on or to an opposite side [4]opposite prep (1758) 1: across from and usu. facing or on the same level with "sat ~ each other"
2: in a role complementary to "played ~ the leading man in the comedy"