opposite

5 entries found for opposite.
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opposite[1,adjective] opposite[2,noun] opposite[3,adverb] opposite[4,preposition] opposite number

Main Entry: ¹op·po·site
Pronunciation: 'ä-p&-z&t, 'äp-s&t
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin oppositus, past participle of opponere
1 a : set over against something that is at the other end or side of an intervening line or space <opposite interior angles> <opposite ends of a diameter> b : situated in pairs on an axis with each member being separated from the other by half the circumference of the axis <opposite leaves> -- compare ALTERNATE
2 a : occupying an opposing and often antagonistic position <opposite sides of the question> b : diametrically different (as in nature or character) <opposite meanings>
3 : contrary to one another or to a thing specified : REVERSE <gave them opposite directions>
4 : being the other of a pair that are corresponding or complementary in position, function, or nature <members of the opposite sex>
5 : of, relating to, or being the side of a baseball field that is near the first base line for a right-handed batter and near the third base line for a left-handed batter
- op·po·site·ly adverb
- op·po·site·ness noun
synonyms OPPOSITE, CONTRADICTORY, CONTRARY, ANTITHETICAL mean being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable. OPPOSITE applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict <opposite views on foreign aid>. CONTRADICTORY applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid <made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall>. CONTRARY implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition <contrary assessments of the war situation>. ANTITHETICAL stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition <a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy>.