opposite

Universal Words adjective, adverb, noun, preposition adjective 1 [onlybeforenoun] on the other side of a particular area from sb/sth and usually facing them: Answers are given on the opposite page. * We live further down on the opposite side of the road. * It's not easy having a relationship when you live at opposite ends of the country. 2 (used after the noun) facing the speaker or sb/sth that has been mentioned: I could see smoke coming from the windows of the house directly opposite. * He sat down in the chair opposite. 3 [usuallybeforenoun] as different as possible from sth: I watched 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 opposite ends of the ability range opposite adverb: There's a newly married couple living opposite (= on the other side of the road). * See opposite (= on the opposite page) for further details. IDIOMS your opposite number 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. noun [oftensing.] a person or thing that is as different as possible from sb/sth else: Hot and cold are opposites. * What is the opposite of heavy? * I thought she would be small and blonde but she's the complete opposite. * Exactly the opposite is true. * 'Is it better now?' 'Quite the opposite, I'm afraid.' IDIOMS opposites attract used to say that people who are very different are often attracted to each other preposition 1 on the other side of a particular area from sb/sth, and usually facing them: I sat opposite him during the meal (= on the other side of the table). * The bank is opposite the supermarket (= on the other side of the road). * Write your address opposite (= next to) your name. 2 acting in a film/movie or play as the partner of sb: She starred opposite Tom Hanks.