Opposite Meaning in English

word

US

/ˈɑpəzət/

AH-puh-zit

UK

/ˈɒpəsˌɪt/

OP-uh-sit

Definition

Something that is completely different from another thing, or located on the other side facing it. It can be used as an adjective, noun, or preposition depending on the sentence.

Usage & Nuances

Common patterns are 'the opposite of', 'opposite sides', and 'sit opposite me'. Do not confuse it with 'different': 'opposite' usually means contrasting in a direct way, not just not the same.

• Spanish: opuesto - contrario
• Portuguese (BR): oposto - contrário
• Portuguese (PT): oposto - contrário
• Chinese (Simplified): 相反的 - 对面的
• Chinese (Traditional): 相反的 - 對面的
• Hindi: विपरीत - सामने वाला
• Arabic: معاكس - المقابل
• Bengali: বিপরীত
• Russian: противоположный - напротив
• Japanese: 反対 - 向かい
• Vietnamese: đối diện - trái ngược
• Korean: 반대 - 맞은편
• Turkish: zıt - karşı
• Urdu: مخالف - برعکس
• Indonesian: lawan - berlawanan - seberang

Example Sentences

Black is the opposite of white.

basic

She sat on the opposite side of the table.

basic

My answer was the opposite of yours.

basic

Funny how we're twins but have opposite personalities.

natural

The café is just opposite the station, so you can't miss it.

natural

I thought he'd say yes, but he did the opposite.

natural