What does opposite mean?
Opposite describes something that is on the other side, proceeds in the reverse direction, or differs completely in character, opinion, or effect. It is especially common when comparing two people or positions: “the opposite of my earlier opinion” or “houses on opposite sides of the street.” As a noun, an opposite is a person or thing that forms a sharp contrast with another, as in a story whose two main characters are opposites. The word can refer to physical position, as in “sit opposite,” but it also has an abstract use for opposing views, personalities, or outcomes. Because opposite suggests more than mere difference, it often conveys a strong or direct contrast. In informal speech, the word can also mean simply “the other way around.” Its long history and broad range of uses make it a particularly useful word for expressing reversal, conflict, and contrast in both literal and figurative contexts.
On the other side of something or wholly different in nature, character, or direction.
"The two brothers took opposite sides of the argument."
This is the more common part of speech. The contrast is usually direct and pronounced.
A person or thing that is wholly different from, or opposed to, another.
"Hot and cold are opposites, although they share the same underlying substance."
As a noun, opposite is often used with “of,” as in “the opposite of success.”
The plural is used when referring to two or more contrasting people, things, qualities, or positions.
"The film's two central characters begin as apparent opposites."
Opposite literally means “placed against”: it descends from the same Latin root as oppose and opponent.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does opposite come from?
Opposite entered Middle English through French from Latin oppositus, a past participle meaning “set against.” The Latin word came from opponere, formed from op-, meaning “against,” and ponere, meaning “to place.” The same root produced related English words such as oppose, opponent, and opposition, all of which involve placing one thing against another in argument, competition, or resistance.
Related word forms
How opposite is actually used
The adjective is more common than the noun. In formal writing, opposite can imply a complete or fundamental contrast, while in everyday speech it may describe a simple reversal of position or direction.
Easily confused with opposite
Opposite usually describes a contrasting position, quality, or direction, whereas opposed more often means engaged in conflict or resistance.