A1adjective 2K

Opposite

UK /["/ˈɒpəzɪt/"]/ US /["/ˈɑːpəzɪt/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

on the other side of a particular area from somebody/something and usually facing them

Listen to definition

In simple words: Something that is completely different from something else.

Examples

• The opposite of hot is cold.
• They live on opposite sides of the street.
• His ideas are often the opposite of popular opinion.
• In the winter, the opposite happens; it gets colder.
• You should look for the opposite pair when sorting the colors.

Usage notes

Use 'opposite' when describing two things that contrast each other. It’s suitable in most contexts but avoid in overly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'O-P-P-O-S-I-T-E' as in 'O for other end.'

Collocations

• opposite sides
• opposite directions
• opposite ends

Synonyms

• contrary
• reverse
• opposing
• antithesis

Antonyms

• same
• similar

Common mistakes

• 'Opposite' used as a noun instead of an adjective.
• Confused with 'contradiction' – 'opposite' refers to direct differences.
• Using 'opposite' with 'to' instead of 'of' (correct: 'opposite of').