adj.
- situated on the other or further side; facing.
▸(of angles) between opposite sides of the intersection of two lines.
▸Botany (of leaves or shoots) arising in pairs at the same level on opposite sides of the stem.
- completely different.
▸being the other of a contrasted pair:
the opposite ends of the price range.
n.
an opposite person or thing.
adv.
in an opposite position.
prep.
- in a position opposite to.
- (of a leading actor) co-starring beside.
Phrase
- the opposite sex
women in relation to men or vice versa.
Derivative
- oppositely adv.
- oppositeness n.
Etymology
ME: via OFr. from L. oppositus, opponere ‘set against’.