— oppositely , adv. — oppositeness , n.
/op"euh zit, -sit/ , adj.
1. situated, placed, or lying face to face with something else or each other, or in corresponding positions with relation to an intervening line, space, or thing: opposite ends of a room.
2. contrary or radically different in some respect common to both, as in nature, qualities, direction, result, or significance; opposed: opposite sides in a controversy; opposite directions.
3. being the other of two related or corresponding things: friendly with many members of the opposite sex.
4. Bot.
a. situated on diametrically opposed sides of an axis, as leaves when there are two on one node.
b. having one organ vertically above another; superimposed.
5. adverse or inimical.
n.
6. a person or thing that is opposite or contrary.
7. an antonym.
8. Archaic. an opponent; antagonist.
prep.
9. across from; facing: The guest of honor sat opposite me at the banquet.
10. in a role parallel or complementary to: He has played opposite many leading ladies.
adv.
11. on opposite sides.
12. on the opposite side: I was at one end and she sat opposite.
13. to the opposite side; in the opposite direction: I went to the left balcony, and he went opposite.
[ 1350-1400; ME oppositus, ptp. of opponere to set against. See OPPOSE, -ITE 2 ]
Syn. 1. facing. 2. incompatible, irreconcilable, unlike, differing. OPPOSITE, CONTRARY, REVERSE imply that two things differ from each other in such a way as to indicate a definite kind of relationship. OPPOSITE suggests symmetrical antithesis in position, action, or character: opposite ends of a pole, sides of a road, views. CONTRARY sometimes adds to OPPOSITE the idea of conflict or antagonism: contrary statements, beliefs. REVERSE suggests something that faces or moves in the opposite direction: the reverse side of a coin; a reverse gear.
Ant. 2. same, like.