opposite

Opposite is someone or something that is the reverse of something else.

(noun)

An example of opposite is black, as compared to white.

The definition of opposite is something or someone who is across from you or who is on a different side as you are.

(adjective)

  1. An example of opposite is the side of the street that you must cross to get to.
  2. An example of opposite is a person standing across from you.

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See opposite in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. set against, facing, or back to back; at the other end or side; in a contrary position or direction: often with to
  2. characterized by hostility or resistance
  3. different in every way; exactly contrary; antithetical
  4. Bot.
    1. growing in pairs, but separated by a stem
    2. having one part on the same radius as another, as a stamen in front of a petal

Origin: OFr < L oppositus, pp. of opponere: see opponent

noun

anything opposed or opposite

adverb

on opposing sides or in an opposite position

  1. facing; across from
  2. Theater in a complementary role (of the opposite sex) to: he played opposite her

Related Forms:

See opposite in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Placed or located directly across from something else or from each other: opposite sides of a building.
  2. Facing the other way; moving or tending away from each other: opposite directions.
  3. Being the other of two complementary or mutually exclusive things: the opposite sex; an opposite role to the lead in the play.
  4. a. Altogether different, as in nature, quality, or significance: The effect of the medication was opposite to that intended.
    b. Sharply contrasting; antithetical: had opposite views on the subject.
  5. Botany Growing in pairs on either side of a stem: opposite leaves.
noun
  1. One that is opposite or contrary to another.
  2. An opponent or antagonist.
  3. An antonym.
adverb
In an opposite position: They sat opposite at the table.
preposition
  1. Across from or facing: parked the car opposite the bank.
  2. In a complementary dramatic role to: He played opposite her.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin oppositus

Origin: , past participle of oppōnere, oppose; see oppose

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Related Forms:

  • opˈpo·site·ly adverb
  • opˈpo·site·ness noun

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