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opposites - 3 dictionary results

op⋅po⋅site

  [op-uh-zit, -sit]
Use opposites in a Sentence
–adjective
1. situated, placed, or lying face to face with something else or each other, or in corresponding positions with relation to an intervening line, space, or thing: opposite ends of a room.
2. contrary or radically different in some respect common to both, as in nature, qualities, direction, result, or significance; opposed: opposite sides in a controversy; opposite directions.
3. being the other of two related or corresponding things: friendly with many members of the opposite sex.
4. Botany.
a. situated on diametrically opposed sides of an axis, as leaves when there are two on one node.
b. having one organ vertically above another; superimposed.
5. adverse or inimical.
–noun
6. a person or thing that is opposite or contrary.
7. an antonym.
8. Archaic. an opponent; antagonist.
–preposition
9. across from; facing: The guest of honor sat opposite me at the banquet.
10. in a role parallel or complementary to: He has played opposite many leading ladies.
–adverb
11. on opposite sides.
12. on the opposite side: I was at one end and she sat opposite.
13. to the opposite side; in the opposite direction: I went to the left balcony, and he went opposite.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME < MF < L oppositus, ptp. of oppōnere to set against. See oppose, -ite 2

Related forms:
op⋅po⋅site⋅ly, adverb
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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To opposites
op·po·site   (ŏp'ə-zĭt)   
adj.  
  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.
    1. Altogether different, as in nature, quality, or significance: The effect of the medication was opposite to that intended.
    2. Sharply contrasting; antithetical: had opposite views on the subject.
  5. Botany Growing in pairs on either side of a stem: opposite leaves.
n.  
  1. One that is opposite or contrary to another.
  2. An opponent or antagonist.
  3. An antonym.
adv.  In an opposite position: They sat opposite at the table.
prep.  
  1. Across from or facing: parked the car opposite the bank.
  2. In a complementary dramatic role to: He played opposite her.

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin oppositus, past participle of oppōnere, oppose; see oppose.]
op'po·site·ly adv., op'po·site·ness n.
Synonyms: These adjectives mean marked by a natural or innate and irreconcilable opposition. Two things that are altogether different are opposite: Antonyms are words of opposite meaning. "It is said that opposite characters make a union happiest" (Charles Reade).
Contrary stresses extreme divergence: Democrats and Republicans often hold contrary opinions.
Antithetical emphasizes diametrical opposition: engaged in practices entirely antithetical to their professed beliefs.
Contradictory implies denial or inconsistency: "contradictory attributes of unjust justice and loving vindictiveness" (John Morley).
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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opposite   (ŏp'ə-zĭt)  Pronunciation Key 


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Arranged as one of a pair on either side of a stem or twig. Maple and ash trees have opposite leaves. Compare alternate.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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