What is opposite? Pronunciation and usage in English

opposite means . Learn how to pronounce and use opposite through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of opposite

oppositeadjective

/ˈɒpəzɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of opposite

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "opposite" in English. Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "opposite" is typically pronounced in two syllables:

  • op - like the beginning of "open"
  • -posite - like "pos-it"

2. Sounds:

  • op: Sounds like the word "op" (as in the letter "O"). It's a short, crisp vowel sound.
  • -posite:
    • pos: Sounds like "pos" as in "post office."
    • it: Sounds like the word "it."

3. Combined Pronunciation:

Putting it together, it sounds like: "OP-uh-zit"

Tips for getting it right:

  • Emphasis: The primary stress is on the first syllable ("op").
  • "uh" sound: The second syllable ("posite") has a short, unstressed "uh" sound. Don't overly elongate it.

Resources for Listening:

  • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce opposite" on Google, and you’ll likely find audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/opposite/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you a more detailed phonetic transcription (using symbols)?

Usage and examples with the word opposite in English

Let's break down how to use the word "opposite" in English. It's a versatile word with several different ways to employ it. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As an Adjective (Describing Things)

  • Meaning: Indicating something that is the contrary or reverse of something else.
  • Example: “Black is the opposite of white.” (Here, “opposite” describes the color black.)
  • Example: “He chose the opposite strategy to the one his competitor used.” (Describing the strategy)
  • Example: “This car has the opposite problem to the one we had last year.” (Describing the problem)

2. As a Conjunction (Joining Clauses)

  • Meaning: Connects two ideas where one idea is the opposite of the other. It often introduces a contrasting statement.
  • Structure: “…and the opposite…” or “…and conversely…” (more formal)
  • Example: “He wanted to go to the beach, and the opposite was true – he felt like staying home.” (Shows a contrast in desires)
  • Example: “She loves spicy food, and the opposite is true for her brother; he hates it.” (Highlights a difference)
  • Example: "The weather was beautiful, and conversely, the opposite was true on the other side of the mountain.” (More formal contrast)

3. As a Noun (Referring to the Contrary)

  • Meaning: The thing that is in opposition to something else.
  • Example: “What’s the opposite of happy?” (Asking for the contrasting emotion)
  • Example: “The opposite of success is failure.” (Referring to the result of something)
  • Example: “She argued that the government’s policy was the opposite of what the people wanted.” (Referring to the policy)

4. Using "opposite" with Verbs (Often with "to be")

  • Example: "The opposite of loud is quiet." (Using "to be" – "is" – to connect the concepts)
  • Example: "The opposite of strong is weak." (Again, "to be")
  • Example: "The opposite of boring is exciting." (Using "to be")

Key Phrases & Common Combinations

  • "The opposite of...": This is extremely common. “The opposite of good is bad.” “The opposite of fast is slow.”
  • "Conversely": A more formal synonym for “the opposite,” often used in writing or more professional contexts.
  • "In contrast to...": Another way to introduce a contrasting idea. (Though “in contrast to” doesn’t always mean “the opposite,” it often implies a significant difference).

Tips for Using "Opposite" Effectively

  • Be clear about what you're contrasting. Make sure your listener or reader understands what you're saying the opposite of.
  • Consider synonyms: Sometimes “opposite” can sound a little clunky. Alternatives like “contrary,” “reverse,” “antithesis,” or simply stating the contrasting idea directly can sound more natural.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "opposite" in specific contexts (e.g., in a debate, in a story)?
  • Help you brainstorm antonyms for certain words?
  • Practice using “opposite” in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word opposite

Idioms of the word opposite

your opposite number
(informal)a person who does the same job as you in another organization
  • 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 problems
  • There are different considerations, often pulling in different directions.

Practice with vocabulary opposite

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The two political parties hold radically ________ views on economic policy, making compromise challenging.
  2. He argued a point of view that was completely ________ to what the chairman proposed, leading to a heated debate.
  3. The findings of the new study appear to be ________ to the established scientific consensus, prompting further investigation.
  4. Despite their close collaboration, their leadership styles are quite ________ and often clash during critical decision-making processes.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. When two ideas or positions are completely contrary or at the furthest extreme from each other, they are: a) diverse b) opposing c) distinct d) opposite

  2. If you are asked to sit directly facing another person at a long conference table, you would sit: a) beside them b) across from them c) next to them d) opposite them

  3. The new CEO's strategy represents a complete ________ to the previous administration's approach to market expansion. a) reverse b) shift c) contrast d) opposite

  4. Instead of following the traditional marketing strategy, the startup decided to adopt a more ________ approach, focusing on digital-only campaigns. a) alternative b) varying c) distinct d) unconventional

  5. The architect presented two ________ designs, each with its own merits and drawbacks, for the client's consideration regarding the new building. a) contrasting b) different c) conflicting d) separate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Their perspectives on the company's future growth strategy are completely irreconcilable. Rewrite:
  2. The two departments took entirely different approaches to solving the same critical problem. Rewrite:
  3. The new regulations run counter to the long-standing traditions of the industry. Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. opposite
  2. opposite
  3. contrary
  4. distinct

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) opposing, d) opposite
  2. b) across from them, d) opposite them
  3. a) reverse, d) opposite
  4. a) alternative, d) unconventional
  5. a) contrasting, b) different

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Their perspectives on the company's future growth strategy are opposite. (Alternative: They hold opposite perspectives on the company's future growth strategy.)
  2. The two departments took opposite approaches to solving the same critical problem. (Alternative: Their approaches to solving the same critical problem were opposite.)
  3. The new regulations are contrary to the long-standing traditions of the industry. (Alternative: The new regulations conflict with the long-standing traditions of the industry.)

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