opposite

Etymology

From Old French oposite, from Latin oppositus, perfect passive participle of oppōnō (“I oppose”). Compare oppose.

adj

1. Located directly across from something else, or from each other.
   She saw him walking on the opposite side of the road.
2. (botany) Of leaves and flowers, positioned directly across from each other on a stem.
3. Facing in the other direction.
   They were moving in opposite directions.
4. Of either of two complementary or mutually exclusive things.
   He is attracted to the opposite sex.
5. Extremely different; inconsistent; contrary; repugnant; antagonistic.
   , Book III Particles of speech have divers, and sometimes almost opposite, significations.

noun

1. Something opposite or contrary to something else.
2. A person or thing that is entirely different from or the reverse of someone or something else; used to show contrast between two people or two things.
   She is the opposite of her ex-boyfriend who abused her both physically and verbally nearly every day for five years. She now works as an advocate and supportive listener for others who have endured abusive relationships.
3. An opponent.
4. An antonym.
   "Up" is the opposite of "down".
5. (mathematics) An additive inverse.

adv

1. In an opposite position.
   I was on my seat and she stood opposite.
   Where's the bus station? -Over there, just opposite.

prep

1. Facing, or across from.
   He lives opposite the pub.
2. In a complementary role to.
   He played opposite Marilyn Monroe.
3. (television) On another channel at the same time.
   The game show Just Men! aired opposite The Young and the Restless on CBS.