/ ˈɒpəzɪt; -sɪt; NAmE ˈɑːpəzət/ adjective , adverb , noun , preposition
■ adjective
1.
[ only before noun ] on the other side of a particular area from sb/sth and usually facing them :
Answers are given on the opposite page.
We live further down on the opposite side of the road.
It's not easy having a relationship when you live at opposite ends of the country.
2.
(used after the noun) facing the speaker or sb/sth that has been mentioned :
I could see smoke coming from the windows of the house directly opposite.
He sat down in the chair opposite.
3.
[ usually before noun ] as different as possible from sth :
I watched them leave and then drove off in the opposite direction.
She tried calming him down but it seemed to be having the opposite effect.
students at opposite ends of the ability range
► op·pos·ite adverb :
There's a newly married couple living opposite (= on the other side of the road) .
See opposite (= on the opposite page) for further details.
•
IDIOMS
- your opposite number
- the opposite sex
—more at pull verb
■ noun
a person or thing that is as different as possible from sb/sth else :
Hot and cold are opposites.
What is the opposite of heavy?
I thought she would be small and blonde but she's the complete opposite .
Exactly the opposite is true.
'Is it better now?' ' Quite the opposite , I'm afraid.'
•
IDIOMS
- opposites attract
■ preposition
1.
on the other side of a particular area from sb/sth, and usually facing them :
I sat opposite him during the meal (= on the other side of the table) .
The bank is opposite the supermarket (= on the other side of the road) .
Write your address opposite (= next to) your name.
2.
acting in a film / movie or play as the partner of sb :
She starred opposite Tom Hanks.
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : via Old French from Latin oppositus , past participle of opponere set against.