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Meaning & use

opposite

adjective, noun, preposition·Everyday

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UK/ˈɒpəzɪt/
US/ˈɑːpəzɪt/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparable

    Completely different in a particular quality, meaning, or effect.

    Grammar: Often used with 'to' or 'from': opposite to something. Can be used before a noun: opposite direction.

    Patterns

    • opposite to something
    • opposite from something
    • the opposite direction

    The two brothers have opposite personalities.

    Her opinion is opposite to mine.

    They drove in opposite directions.

  2. nouncountable

    A person or thing that is as different as possible from another.

    Grammar: Often used with 'the': the opposite of something.

    Patterns

    • the opposite of something
    • exactly the opposite

    Hot is the opposite of cold.

    He said he was happy, but I think the opposite is true.

  3. preposition

    On the other side of something and facing it.

    Grammar: Followed by a noun: opposite the bank.

    Patterns

    • opposite something

    The café is opposite the station.

    She sat opposite me at the table.

  4. adjectivebefore a noun

    Located on the other side and facing something.

    Grammar: Used before a noun: the opposite side.

    Patterns

    • the opposite side
    • the opposite end

    The shop is on the opposite side of the street.

    He sat at the opposite end of the table.

Common combinations

the opposite sex
In some cultures, the opposite sex is treated differently.
opposite direction
They ran in opposite directions.
exactly the opposite
I thought he would refuse, but he did exactly the opposite.

Synonyms and how they differ

contrary
Contrary is more formal and often used in the phrase 'on the contrary' to disagree.
reverse
Reverse refers to the back side or a complete change to the opposite; it is less common for simple contrasts.

Opposites

sameidenticalsimilar

Word family

opposition noun
The act of opposing or resisting; also a group that opposes.
oppose verb
To disagree with or fight against something.
opposed adjective
Strongly against something; often used in 'opposed to'.

Commonly confused: opposite or apposite?

opposite vs apposite

Apposite means 'very appropriate or relevant' and is a formal word; opposite means 'completely different'.

Practice

Choose the correct preposition: The bank is ___ the post office.

Make it your own

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