Origin: 1350–1400; Middle English <
Middle French <
Latin oppositus, past participle of
oppōnere to set against.
See oppose, -ite2 Related formsop·po·site·ly, adverb
op·po·site·ness, noun
sub·op·po·site, adjective
sub·op·po·site·ly, adverb
sub·op·po·site·ness, noun
Synonyms
1. facing. 2. incompatible, irreconcilable, unlike, differing. Opposite, contrary, reverse imply that two things differ from each other in such a way as to indicate a definite kind of relationship. Opposite suggests symmetrical antithesis in position, action, or character: opposite ends of a pole, sides of a road, views. Contrary sometimes adds to opposite the idea of conflict or antagonism: contrary statements, beliefs. Reverse suggests something that faces or moves in the opposite direction: the reverse side of a coin; a reverse gear.
Antonyms
2. same, like.