Opposed vs. Opposite: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 18, 2023
"Opposed" indicates resistance or disagreement with something; "opposite" signifies a contrasting position, direction, or nature.
Key Differences
Opposed is a term often used to describe a stance of disagreement or resistance to an idea, action, or situation. If one is "opposed" to a decision, they fundamentally disagree with it. On the other hand, opposite conveys a sense of being diametrically different or in a contrasting position, such as the opposite ends of a spectrum.
While opposed commonly appears in contexts involving conflict or differing opinions, it can also signify being set against something or someone in a competitive situation. For instance, two teams can be opposed in a sports match. Opposite, meanwhile, doesn't necessarily imply disagreement but often refers to spatial, directional, or characteristic contrasts. North is opposite to South.
Consider the sentiment behind statements. Saying "I am opposed to that policy" underscores a disagreement or objection to the policy's principles. In contrast, "The policy's effects are opposite to its intentions" highlights a disparity between expected and actual outcomes.
When we talk about people being opposed, it suggests that they have conflicting views or intentions. In a debate, one might find two individuals opposed on a particular issue. In the realm of opposite, if we say two people sit opposite each other, it means they are facing each other, with no indication of agreement or disagreement.
In summary, opposed often delves into realms of disagreement, resistance, or competition, whereas opposite is more about contrasting positions, directions, or natures without inherently denoting conflict.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Denotes resistance or disagreement
Indicates a contrasting position, direction, or nature
Usage
Typically used in contexts of conflict or differing views
Often used to describe spatial, directional, or characteristic contrasts
Implication
Implies some form of conflict or competition
Doesn't inherently denote conflict
Examples
Opposed to a decision, two teams opposed in a match
Opposite ends, opposite effects, opposite directions
Grammatical Role
Often used as a verb or adjective
Typically used as an adjective or noun
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Opposed and Opposite Definitions
Opposed
Set against something or someone in disagreement or resistance.
She was opposed to the new regulations.
Opposite
Situated on the other side or facing something.
The store is on the opposite side of the street.
Opposed
Being in competition or in conflict.
The two teams were opposed in the finals.
Opposite
Directly facing another object or person.
They sat opposite each other during dinner.
Opposed
To place over against something, confronting.
The soldiers opposed the invaders at the border.
Opposite
Placed or located directly across from something else or from each other
Opposite sides of a building.
Opposed
Contrary or opposite in direction or position.
The paths were opposed, leading them further apart.
Opposite
Facing the other way; moving or tending away from each other
Opposite directions.
Opposed
To resist or withstand.
The material opposed wear and tear.
Opposite
Being the other of two complementary or mutually exclusive things
The opposite sex.
An opposite role to the lead in the play.
Opposed
To be or act in contention or conflict with
Opposed their crosstown rivals in the season finale.
Opposite
Altogether different, as in nature, quality, or significance
The effect of the medication was opposite to that intended.
Opposed
To be hostile or resistant to; try to prevent
Opposes the building of a new police station.
Opposite
Sharply contrasting; antithetical
Had opposite views on the subject.
Opposed
To set as an opposite in position
Opposed the painting with a mirror across the room.
Opposite
Growing in pairs on either side of a stem
Opposite leaves.
Opposed
To present in counterbalance or contrast
Ideas that were opposed to each other in her first book.
Opposite
Arranged on the same radius as another part, as stamens and petals.
Opposed
To be or act in opposition.
Opposite
One that is opposite or contrary to another.
Opposed
Acting in opposition; opposing.
Opposite
An opponent or antagonist.
Opposed
Being, of having an opponent; not unopposed.
Opposite
An antonym.
Opposed
Opposite.
Opposite
In an opposite position
They sat opposite at the table.
Opposed
Simple past tense and past participle of oppose
Opposite
Across from or facing
Parked the car opposite the bank.
Opposed
Characterized by active opposition; as, two bitterly opposing schools of thought.
Opposite
In a complementary dramatic role to
He played opposite her.
Opposed
Acting in opposition to; as, the opposing sector of the same muscle group.
Opposite
Located directly across from something else, or from each other.
She saw him walking on the opposite side of the road.
Opposed
In opposition to (a policy or attitude etc.);
An opposing vote
Opposite
(botany) Of leaves and flowers, positioned directly across from each other on a stem.
Opposed
Being in opposition or having an opponent;
Two bitterly opposed schools of thought
Opposite
Facing in the other direction.
They were moving in opposite directions.
Opposite
Of either of two complementary or mutually exclusive things.
He is attracted to the opposite sex.
Opposite
Extremely different; inconsistent; contrary; repugnant; antagonistic.
Opposite
Something opposite or contrary to something else.
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.
Opposite
An opponent.
Opposite
An antonym.
"Up" is the opposite of "down".
Opposite
(mathematics) An additive inverse.
Opposite
In an opposite position.
I was on my seat and she stood opposite.
Where's the bus station? -Over there, just opposite.
Opposite
Facing, or across from.
He lives opposite the pub.
Opposite
In a complementary role to.
He played opposite Marilyn Monroe.
Opposite
(television) On another channel at the same time.
The game show Just Men! aired opposite The Young and the Restless on CBS.
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.
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.
Opposite
Applied to the other of two things which are entirely different; other; as, the opposite sex; the opposite extreme; antonyms have opposite meanings.
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.
Opposite
Set over against each other, but separated by the whole diameter of the stem, as two leaves at the same node.
Opposite
One who opposes; an opponent; an antagonist.
The opposites of this day's strife.
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.
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
The other one of a complementary pair;
The opposite sex
The two chess kings are set up on squares of opposite colors
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
Opposite
Being in a position of contrast or divergence in nature.
The effects were the opposite of what was intended.
Opposite
Completely different in nature or quality.
Their personalities were opposite, yet they got along well.
Opposite
Contrary in character or direction.
The opposite reaction was unexpected.
FAQs
Is "opposite" always about physical direction?
No, opposite can also describe contrasting characteristics or natures.
How is opposite typically used?
Opposite signifies a contrasting position, direction, or nature.
What does opposed mean?
Opposed indicates resistance, disagreement, or being set against something or someone.
Can "opposed" refer to competition?
Yes, for instance, two teams can be opposed in a championship.
What's the opposite of "happy"?
The opposite of "happy" is "sad."
What does "opposed in nature" mean?
It means having contrasting or different inherent characteristics or qualities.
Can two things be opposite in nature but not opposed?
Yes, two things can be different or opposite without being in conflict or disagreement.
If I'm "opposed" to an idea, what does that indicate?
It indicates that you disagree with or resist that idea.
Are the terms "opposite side" and "adjacent side" synonymous?
No, "opposite side" refers to a facing side, while "adjacent side" refers to a side next to a particular point or reference.
Is "being opposed" always about conflict?
Not necessarily. It can mean disagreement, resistance, or even competition.
Can "opposite" be used to describe people?
Yes, like when two people have contrasting personalities.
Are "opposite" and "contrary" synonymous?
They are similar, but "contrary" often implies a stronger sense of conflict or contradiction.
Can two colors be opposite?
Yes, in color theory, certain colors like red and green are considered opposites or complementary.
Is being opposed a passive stance?
Not necessarily. Being opposed can be passive or active, depending on the context.
Can a policy and its effects be opposed?
A policy's effects can be opposite to its intentions, not necessarily opposed.
Can you be opposed to someone's opinion without being opposed to the person?
Yes, one can disagree with an opinion without being against the individual holding it.
What's the opposite of "front"?
The opposite of "front" is "back."
Are "opposed" and "averse" the same?
They're similar. Both indicate resistance or disinclination, but "averse" often implies a strong emotional or instinctual reaction.
Can a person be "opposed to" and "in favor of" something at the same time?
It's contradictory. One cannot be both opposed to and in favor of the same thing simultaneously.
Is "opposite" always about two things?
Typically, but not always. "Opposite" often refers to one of a pair or set in contrast to another.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
