opposite
UK/'ɒpәzit/US
NGSL 2kIELTSTOEFLA2
Definitions
adj.
Facing; on the other side
对面的
adj.
Completely different in nature or direction
相反的
n.
A person or thing that is completely different
对立面，相反的事物
prep.
Facing; across from
在……对面
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedop- (against) + posit (placed) = 'placed against / across from.' Whatever is opposite has been set on the far side — the opposite bank, the opposite of love. The physical 'across from' easily became the abstract 'the reverse of.'
Root pos still carries 66 more wordsUsage Guide
- As a preposition, opposite = 'across from': sit opposite me. AmE often prefers 'across from.'
- 'opposite to/from' marks contrast: opposite to what I expected.
- 'play opposite someone' (theatre/film) = act as the partner role to them.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The bakery is just opposite the train station.
- 2.
They walked off in opposite directions.
- 3.
Whatever I say, he does the opposite.