opposite¶

adjective
A1
/ˈɒpəzɪt/
/ˈɑːpəzɪt/

A1 [only before noun]¶

on the other side of a particular area from somebody/something and usually facing them.

Answers are given on the opposite page
We live further down on the opposite of the road
It’s not easy having a relationship when you live at opposite ends of the country.

A1 [used after the noun]¶

facing the speaker or somebody/something that has been mentioned.

I cound see smoke coming from the windows of the house directly opposite.
He sat down in the chair opposite.

A1 [usally before noun]¶

as different as possible from something

I wathced them leave and then drove off in the opposite direction.
She tried calming him down, but it seemed to be having the opposite effect.
Students at the opposite ends of ability range.
A story about a pair of young boys from opposite extremes of society.
Opposite to somebody/something: He took a view opposite to that of Tom.

Idioms¶

Your opposite number¶

(informal) A person who does the same job as you in another orgnization.

The Foreign Secretary is currently having talks with his opposite number in the White House.

The opposite sex¶

the other sex

He found it difficult to talk to members of the opposite sex.

pull in different/opposite directions¶

to have different aims that cannot be achieved together without causing any problems.

There are different considerations, often pulling in different direction.