# opposite

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈɒpəzɪt/ · frequency rank #2,399

## Definitions
1. Located directly across from something else, or from each other.
2. Of leaves and flowers, positioned directly across from each other on a stem.
3. Facing in the other direction.
4. Of either of two complementary or mutually exclusive things.
5. Extremely different; inconsistent; contrary; repugnant; antagonistic.

## Etymology
Inherited from Middle English opposit, borrowed from Old French oposite, from Latin oppositus, perfect passive participle of oppōnō (“to oppose”). Compare oppose.

## Easily confused with
- **oppose** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/oppose-vs-opposite)
- **opposing** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/opposing-vs-opposite)

## Common misspellings (9)
`opopsite`, `oposite`, `oppoiste`, `opposiet`, `oppositte`, `oppossite`, `oppostie`, `oppsoite`, `poposite`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/opposite