Opposite vs. Against — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
"Opposite" refers to a position or direction diametrically different, while "against" suggests opposition or resistance in contact or proximity.
Difference Between Opposite and Against
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Opposite" often denotes a positional or directional contrast, such as being directly across from something. On the other hand, "against" implies a sense of contact or closeness with an element of opposition or resistance.
In terms of location, something that is opposite will be located directly across from another, providing a clear spatial relationship. Whereas "against" denotes something in contact with or leaning on another object, emphasizing physical or metaphorical support or opposition.
When used in a more abstract sense, "opposite" can signify ideas or qualities that are fundamentally different or contradictory. Conversely, "against" often conveys conflict or competition, as seen in expressions like "competing against" or "revolting against."
In relationships, being opposite might refer to having diametrically different characteristics or viewpoints, enhancing the dynamic of contrast. On the other hand, being against someone typically suggests a stance of opposition or disagreement, possibly leading to conflict.
"Opposite" functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb, versatile in describing situations, locations, or characteristics. Against primarily acts as a preposition, setting up relational dynamics in sentences.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Can be a noun, adjective, or adverb
Primarily used as a preposition
Usage in Space
Denotes location across from something
Suggests contact or proximity
Usage in Conflict
Implies contradiction or stark difference
Implies active opposition or resistance
Relationship Dynamics
Often highlights differences
Indicates a stance of confrontation
Abstract Use
Used to describe contrasting ideas
Used to describe opposition in actions or beliefs
Compare with Definitions
Opposite
Having a position on the other or further side.
She sat opposite me at the table.
Against
Competing with another.
The team played against the champions.
Opposite
The opposite side of the street.
The bakery is on the opposite side from the coffee shop.
Against
In resistance to.
The rebels fought against the regime.
Opposite
Across from something or someone.
The park is located opposite the museum.
Against
Very close to something, with or without contact.
The painting hangs against the blue wall.
Opposite
In a position facing a specific object or area.
They parked opposite, waiting for us to emerge.
Against
Touching or leaning on.
The ladder was placed against the wall.
Opposite
Contrary or diametrically different.
His views are the opposite of mine.
Against
In a direction or course opposite to
Row against the current.
Opposite
Placed or located directly across from something else or from each other
Opposite sides of a building.
Against
So as to come into forcible contact with
Waves dashing against the shore.
Opposite
Facing the other way; moving or tending away from each other
Opposite directions.
Against
In contact with so as to rest or press on
Leaned against the tree.
Opposite
Altogether different, as in nature, quality, or significance
The effect of the medication was opposite to that intended.
Against
In hostile opposition or resistance to
Struggle against fate.
Opposite
Sharply contrasting; antithetical
Had opposite views on the subject.
Against
Contrary to; opposed to
Against my better judgment.
Opposite
Growing in pairs on either side of a stem
Opposite leaves.
Against
In competition with
Raced against the record holder.
Opposite
Arranged on the same radius as another part, as stamens and petals.
Against
In contrast or comparison with the setting or background of
Dark colors against a fair skin.
Opposite
One that is opposite or contrary to another.
Against
In preparation for; in anticipation of
Food stored against winter.
Opposite
An opponent or antagonist.
Against
As a defense or safeguard from
Protection against the cold.
Opposite
An antonym.
Against
To the account or debt of
Drew a check against my bank balance.
Opposite
In an opposite position
They sat opposite at the table.
Against
Directly opposite to; facing.
Opposite
Across from or facing
Parked the car opposite the bank.
Against
In a contrary direction to.
It is hard work to swim against the current.
Opposite
In a complementary dramatic role to
He played opposite her.
Against
In physical opposition to; in collision with.
The rain pounds against the window.
Opposite
Located directly across from something else, or from each other.
She saw him walking on the opposite side of the road.
Against
In physical contact with, so as to abut or be supported by.
The ladder was leaning against the wall.
The puppy rested its head against a paw.
The kennel was put against the back wall.
Opposite
(botany) Of leaves and flowers, positioned directly across from each other on a stem.
Against
Close to, alongside.
A row of trees stood against a fence.
Opposite
Facing in the other direction.
They were moving in opposite directions.
Against
In front of; before (a background).
The giant was silhouetted against the door.
Opposite
Extremely different; inconsistent; contrary; repugnant; antagonistic.
Against
In contrast or comparison with.
He stands out against his classmates.
This report sets out the risks against the benefits.
Opposite
Something opposite or contrary to something else.
Against
In competition with, versus.
The Tigers will play against the Bears this weekend.
Opposite
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.
Against
Contrary to; in conflict with.
Doing this is against my principles.
It is against the law to smoke on these premises.
There was no car in sight so we crossed against the red light.
Opposite
An opponent.
Against
In opposition to.
Are you against freedom of choice?
He waged a ten-year campaign against the company that was polluting the river.
I'd bet against his succeeding.
Opposite
An antonym.
"Up" is the opposite of "down".
Against
Of betting odds, denoting a worse-than-even chance.
That horse is fifty-to-one against, so it has virtually no chance of winning.
Opposite
(mathematics) An additive inverse.
Against
In exchange for.
The vouchers are redeemable against West End shows and theatre breaks.
Opposite
In an opposite position.
I was on my seat and she stood opposite.
Where's the bus station? -Over there, just opposite.
Against
As counterbalance to. en
Opposite
Facing, or across from.
He lives opposite the pub.
Against
As a charge on.
Tax is levied against income from sales.
Opposite
In a complementary role to.
He played opposite Marilyn Monroe.
Against
As protection from.
He turned the umbrella against the wind.
Opposite
(television) On another channel at the same time.
The game show Just Men! aired opposite The Young and the Restless on CBS.
Against
In anticipation of; in preparation for (a particular time, event etc.).
The stores are kept well stocked against a time of need.
Opposite
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.
Against
(Hollywood) To be paid now in contrast to the following amount to be paid later under specified circumstances, usually that a movie is made or has started filming.
The studio weren't sure the movie would ever get made, so they only paid $50,000 against $200,000. That way they wouldn't be out very much if filming never began.
Opposite
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.
Against
(obsolete) Exposed to. en
Opposite
Extremely different; inconsistent; contrary; repugnant; antagonistic.
Novels, by which the reader is misled into another sort of pleasure opposite to that which is designed in an epic poem.
Particles of speech have divers, and sometimes almost opposite, significations.
Against
(obsolete) By the time that (something happened); before.
Opposite
Set over against each other, but separated by the whole diameter of the stem, as two leaves at the same node.
Against
From an opposite direction so as to strike or come in contact with; in contact with; upon; as, hail beats against the roof.
Opposite
One who opposes; an opponent; an antagonist.
The opposites of this day's strife.
Against
In opposition to, whether the opposition is of sentiment or of action; on the other side; counter to; in contrariety to; hence, adverse to; as, against reason; against law; to run a race against time.
The gate would have been shut against her.
An argument against the use of steam.
Opposite
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.
Against
By of before the time that; in preparation for; so as to be ready for the time when.
Urijah the priest made it, against King Ahaz came from Damascus.
Opposite
Two words that express opposing concepts;
To him the opposite of gay was depressed
Opposite
A relation of direct opposition;
We thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
Opposite
A contestant that you are matched against
Opposite
Something inverted in sequence or character or effect;
When the direct approach failed he tried the inverse
Opposite
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
Opposite
Of leaves etc; growing in pairs on either side of a stem;
Opposite leaves
Opposite
Moving or facing away from each other;
Looking in opposite directions
They went in opposite directions
Opposite
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
Opposite
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
Opposite
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
Common Curiosities
How is "against" typically used in a sentence?
"Against" is mainly used as a preposition indicating opposition or physical contact.
How does "against" express relationships in conflicts?
It suggests a direct confrontation or opposition, often used in contexts of disputes or competitions.
In what context might "against" imply support rather than opposition?
"Against" can imply support when used in contexts where something is physically leaning on or supported by another object, as in "the ladder rests against the wall."
How do "opposite" and "against" function differently in sports contexts?
In sports, "opposite" might describe positions or teams that are directly facing each other, whereas "against" is used to describe one team playing in competition with another, emphasizing the aspect of confrontation.
What is the primary grammatical role of "opposite"?
"Opposite" can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb, describing positions or contradictory states.
Can "opposite" and "against" be used interchangeably?
No, they serve different grammatical and conceptual purposes, with "opposite" indicating positional or ideational contrast and "against" denoting opposition or contact.
What type of opposition do "opposite" and "against" imply in abstract terms?
"Opposite" implies a conceptual or qualitative difference, such as opposing ideas or traits, while "against" suggests active resistance or antagonism towards an idea, policy, or action.
What does it mean when something is said to be "opposite" in terms of position?
It means being located directly across from something else, providing a clear spatial relationship.
Can "opposite" be used to describe feelings or emotions?
Yes, "opposite" can describe emotions that are diametrically different from each other, such as joy being the opposite of sorrow.
Is there a scenario where "opposite" and "against" could be used to describe the same situation?
In a debate or argument, "opposite" could describe the positions of the participants as being fundamentally different or contradictory, while "against" could describe their act of arguing or defending their views in opposition to one another.
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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.
