opposite

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   altogether different in nature or quality or significance

   the medicine's effect was opposite to that intended

2. 2
   adj

   the other one of a complementary pair

   the opposite sex

3. 3
   adj

   moving or facing away from each other

   looking in opposite directions

4. 4
   adj

   Located directly across from something else, or from each other.

   She saw him walking on the opposite side of the road.

5. 5
   adj

   Facing in the other direction.

   They were moving in opposite directions.

6. 6
   adj

   Of either of two complementary or mutually exclusive things.

   He is attracted to the opposite sex.

7. 7
   adj

   Extremely different; inconsistent; contrary; repugnant; antagonistic.

   Novels, by which the reader is misled into another sort of pieasure opposite to that which is designed in an epick poem.

8. 8
   noun

   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.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English opposit, borrowed from Old French oposite, from Latin oppositus, perfect passive participle of oppōnō (“to oppose”). Compare oppose.