Opposit vs. Opposite — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 24, 2024
"Opposit" is incorrect; the proper spelling is "Opposite," referring to a position, state, or condition diametrically contrary to another.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Opposit or Opposite
How to spell Opposite?
Opposit
Incorrect Spelling
Opposite
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Keep in mind common phrases like "opposite side" or "opposite direction" to associate with its meaning and usage.
To remember "Opposite" think of other words ending in "-ite" like “composite” or “infinite.”
Picturing opposites, like day and night, can also reinforce the correct term.
Recognizing the middle "o" in "Opposite" as representative of a circle that has two opposite points might be helpful.
How Do You Spell Opposite Correctly?
Incorrect: Their views are completely opposit.
Correct: Their views are completely opposite.
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Incorrect: The opposit effect was observed in the experiment.
Correct: The opposite effect was observed in the experiment.
Incorrect: The store is on the opposit side of the street.
Correct: The store is on the opposite side of the street.
Incorrect: We sat at opposit ends of the table.
Correct: We sat at opposite ends of the table.
Incorrect: He always thinks the opposit of what I say.
Correct: He always thinks the opposite of what I say.
Opposite Definitions
Relating to opposing ideas or entities.
Opposite forces are at play.
Placed or located directly across from something else or from each other
Opposite sides of a building.
Facing the other way; moving or tending away from each other
Opposite directions.
Being the other of two complementary or mutually exclusive things
The opposite sex.
An opposite role to the lead in the play.
Altogether different, as in nature, quality, or significance
The effect of the medication was opposite to that intended.
Sharply contrasting; antithetical
Had opposite views on the subject.
Growing in pairs on either side of a stem
Opposite leaves.
Arranged on the same radius as another part, as stamens and petals.
One that is opposite or contrary to another.
An opponent or antagonist.
An antonym.
In an opposite position
They sat opposite at the table.
Across from or facing
Parked the car opposite the bank.
In a complementary dramatic role to
He played opposite her.
Located directly across from something else, or from each other.
She saw him walking on the opposite side of the road.
(botany) Of leaves and flowers, positioned directly across from each other on a stem.
Facing in the other direction.
They were moving in opposite directions.
Of either of two complementary or mutually exclusive things.
He is attracted to the opposite sex.
Extremely different; inconsistent; contrary; repugnant; antagonistic.
Something opposite or contrary to something else.
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.
An opponent.
(mathematics) An additive inverse.
In an opposite position.
I was on my seat and she stood opposite.
Where's the bus station? -Over there, just opposite.
Facing, or across from.
He lives opposite the pub.
In a complementary role to.
He played opposite Marilyn Monroe.
(television) On another channel at the same time.
The game show Just Men! aired opposite The Young and the Restless on CBS.
Placed over against; standing or situated over against or in front; facing; - often with to; as, a house opposite to the Exchange; the concert hall and the state theater stood opposite each other on the plaza.
Situated on the other end of an imaginary line passing through or near the middle of an intervening space or object; - of one object with respect to another; as, the office is on the opposite side of town; - also used both to describe two objects with respect to each other; as, the stores were on opposite ends of the mall.
Applied to the other of two things which are entirely different; other; as, the opposite sex; the opposite extreme; antonyms have opposite meanings.
Set over against each other, but separated by the whole diameter of the stem, as two leaves at the same node.
One who opposes; an opponent; an antagonist.
The opposites of this day's strife.
That which is opposed or contrary in character or meaning; as, sweetness and its opposite; up is the opposite of down.
The virtuous man meets with more opposites and opponents than any other.
Two words that express opposing concepts;
To him the opposite of gay was depressed
A relation of direct opposition;
We thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
A contestant that you are matched against
Something inverted in sequence or character or effect;
When the direct approach failed he tried the inverse
Being directly across from each other; facing;
And I on the opposite shore will be, ready to ride and spread the alarm
We lived on opposite sides of the street
At opposite poles
Of leaves etc; growing in pairs on either side of a stem;
Opposite leaves
Moving or facing away from each other;
Looking in opposite directions
They went in opposite directions
The other one of a complementary pair;
The opposite sex
The two chess kings are set up on squares of opposite colors
Altogether different in nature or quality or significance;
The medicine's effect was opposite to that intended
It is said that opposite characters make a union happiest
Characterized by opposite extremes; completely opposed;
In diametric contradiction to his claims
Diametrical (or opposite) points of view
Opposite meanings
Extreme and indefensible polar positions
Directly facing each other;
The two photographs lay face-to-face on the table
Lived all their lives in houses face-to-face across the street
They sat opposite at the table
Having a position on the other or further side of something.
The store is on the opposite side of the street.
Being in stark contrast to something else.
His views are opposite to mine.
A person or thing that is completely different from someone or something else.
Sweet is the opposite of sour.
Positioned against or counter to something.
They sat on opposite ends of the couch.
Opposite Meaning in a Sentence
You'll find the restroom on the opposite wall.
He stood on the opposite bank of the river.
The opposite team scored the winning goal.
The switch has two positions: on and its opposite, off.
She walked to the opposite side of the room.
Her reaction was the exact opposite of what I expected.
Our opinions on the subject are opposite.
They sat opposite each other in silence.
They approached the problem from opposite angles.
Their political views are on opposite ends of the spectrum.
The museum is located at the opposite corner of the square.
My house is directly opposite the grocery store.
The concept is difficult to understand because it's the opposite of intuitive.
He chose the seat opposite mine.
This method is the opposite of effective; it wastes time.
In the northern hemisphere, the seasons are opposite those in the southern hemisphere.
We have opposite tastes in music.
The two theories propose opposite solutions to the problem.
The door swung in the opposite direction.
The wind changed to the opposite direction overnight.
His behavior is the opposite of his sister's.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Their relationship is the opposite of stable.
The car parked opposite was blocking my driveway.
Opposite Idioms & Phrases
Opposite attract
The idea that people with completely different characteristics find each other appealing.
They're so different from each other, but I guess opposites attract.
Opposite number
A person holding the same position or performing the same function in a different organization.
At the conference, I met my opposite number from the competitor firm.
On the opposite side of the coin
Considering a situation from a completely different perspective.
On the opposite side of the coin, the policy also has some benefits.
The opposite field
In baseball, hitting the ball to the field that is on the opposite side of where the batter stands.
He's good at hitting to the opposite field.
Go in the opposite direction
To pursue a course that is different from the expected or usual one.
While everyone else was cutting costs, they decided to go in the opposite direction and invest more.
Living on opposite sides of the tracks
Coming from different social backgrounds.
Despite living on opposite sides of the tracks, they became best friends.
To the opposite effect
Having a result that is different from what was intended or expected.
He tried to calm the situation, but his words had the opposite effect.
The grass is always greener on the opposite side
People often desire what others have, thinking it better than what they have.
He always envies his friends' lifestyles, but the grass is always greener on the opposite side.
Common Curiosities
What is the verb form of Opposite?
"Opposite" is not traditionally used as a verb; it's usually an adjective or a noun.
Why is it called Opposite?
"Opposite" originates from the Latin "oppositus," representing contra-position or being against.
Which preposition is used with Opposite?
"To" (opposite to).
Which conjunction is used with Opposite?
"Yet" (opposite yet complementary).
What is the root word of Opposite?
The Latin “oppositus.”
What is the singular form of Opposite?
Opposite.
Is Opposite a negative or positive word?
Neutral.
What is the pronunciation of Opposite?
[ˈɒpəzɪt]
Which vowel is used before Opposite?
"E" (e opposite).
What is the plural form of Opposite?
Opposites.
Is Opposite a noun or adjective?
Opposite can be used as a noun or an adjective.
Is Opposite an adverb?
No.
Which determiner is used with Opposite?
"The" (the opposite).
Which article is used with Opposite?
"The" (the opposite).
Is Opposite a vowel or consonant?
It's a word, consisting of both vowels and consonants.
What is another term for Opposite?
Contrary.
What is the opposite of Opposite?
Similar or same.
What is the first form of Opposite?
Opposite does not have verb forms.
Is Opposite a countable noun?
As a noun, yes.
Is Opposite a collective noun?
No.
Is the Opposite term a metaphor?
It can be used in metaphorical expressions.
Is the word Opposite a Gerund?
No.
How many syllables are in Opposite?
Three.
What part of speech is Opposite?
Adjective or noun.
Is Opposite an abstract noun?
No.
Is the word Opposite imperative?
No.
How do we divide Opposite into syllables?
Op-po-site.
Is the word “Opposite” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can be used as either depending on the sentence.
What is a stressed syllable in Opposite?
The first syllable: Op-.
How is Opposite used in a sentence?
"The cat and dog were seated at opposite ends of the room."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
