Are you confused about when to use “opposite” and when to use “against”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words can be easily mixed up, but in this article, we’ll clarify the difference between them.
Let’s define the two words. “Opposite” refers to something that is completely different or contrary to something else. For example, the opposite of hot is cold. On the other hand, “against” means to be in opposition or resistance to something. For instance, if you’re against a particular policy, you’re opposed to it.
So, which of the two is the proper word? The answer is that it depends on the context. If you’re talking about two things that are completely different or contrary to each other, then “opposite” is the right choice. However, if you’re talking about being in opposition or resistance to something, then “against” is the better option.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s delve deeper into the differences between these two words.
Define Opposite
Opposite refers to something that is completely different or contrary to something else. It is a term used to describe two things that are situated across from each other, or are completely different in nature or character.
For example, the opposite of hot is cold; the opposite of up is down; the opposite of light is dark. In mathematics, opposite refers to the inverse of a number, such as the opposite of +5 is -5.
Opposite can also be used to describe a position or direction. For instance, if you are facing north, the opposite direction would be south.
Define Against
Against refers to something that is in opposition to something else. It is a term used to describe an action or attitude that is contrary to a particular thing or idea.
For example, if you are against a particular political policy, it means you do not support it. If you are against someone in a competition, it means you are competing with them and trying to defeat them.
Against can also be used to describe physical contact or impact. For instance, if you bump into a wall, you are hitting against it. If you are leaning against a tree, you are in physical contact with it.
Opposite Vs Against
It is important to note that opposite and against are not interchangeable terms. Opposite refers to something that is completely different or contrary to something else, while against refers to something that is in opposition to something else.
For example, the opposite of hot is cold, but being against hot would mean you are opposed to the idea of hotness, which doesn’t make sense. Similarly, if you are against a particular political policy, it doesn’t mean you are the opposite of that policy, but rather that you are in opposition to it.
| Opposite | Against |
|---|---|
| Completely different or contrary to something else | In opposition to something else |
| Describes two things that are situated across from each other or are completely different in nature or character | Describes an action or attitude that is contrary to a particular thing or idea |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right word in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended meaning. The words opposite and against are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Here’s how to use them correctly:
How To Use “Opposite” In A Sentence
The word opposite is used to describe something that is facing or across from something else. It can also refer to something that is completely different or contrary to something else.
Examples:
- The coffee shop is opposite the bank.
- The book’s message is opposite to what the author intended.
When using opposite, it’s important to note that it’s often followed by the preposition “to” or “of”.
How To Use “Against” In A Sentence
The word against is used to indicate opposition or resistance to something. It can also mean in contact with or leaning on something.
Examples:
- The protesters were against the new law.
- She leaned against the wall.
Against is often used with verbs such as fight, argue, and compete to indicate opposition.
It’s important to note that against is different from opposite. While opposite refers to something that is facing or across from something else, against refers to something that is in opposition or contact with something else.
Here’s a table summarizing the differences between opposite and against:
| Opposite | Against |
|---|---|
| Facing or across from something else | In opposition or contact with something else |
| Completely different or contrary to something else | |
| Often followed by “to” or “of” | Often used with verbs such as fight, argue, and compete |
More Examples Of Opposite & Against Used In Sentences
When it comes to understanding the difference between opposite and against, it’s important to have a clear understanding of how each word is used in context. Here are some examples of how opposite and against can be used in sentences:
Examples Of Using Opposite In A Sentence
- The black cat is the opposite of the white cat.
- The hot weather is the opposite of the cold weather.
- The tall building is opposite the small park.
- The happy child is the opposite of the sad child.
- The quiet library is the opposite of the noisy cafeteria.
- The positive response is the opposite of the negative response.
- The light color is the opposite of the dark color.
- The sweet taste is the opposite of the sour taste.
- The open door is the opposite of the closed door.
- The fast car is the opposite of the slow car.
Examples Of Using Against In A Sentence
- The football team played against their rivals.
- The lawyer argued against the defendant’s claims.
- The medicine is effective against the flu virus.
- The wall protects against the wind and rain.
- The protest was against the government’s policies.
- The evidence was used against the accused in court.
- The army fought against the enemy forces.
- The athlete competed against the world’s best.
- The teacher cautioned against cheating on the test.
- The security guard stood against the door to prevent entry.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using words in the English language, it’s easy to make mistakes. One of the most common errors is using the words “opposite” and “against” interchangeably. Although they may seem similar, they actually have distinct meanings that should be used correctly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1: Using “Opposite” And “Against” Interchangeably
Many people use the words “opposite” and “against” as if they mean the same thing. However, this is not the case. “Opposite” refers to two things that are completely different or contrary to each other. For example, black and white are opposite colors. On the other hand, “against” means to be in opposition or disagreement with something or someone. For example, if you are against a political policy, you are opposed to it.
It’s important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and miscommunication. For instance, saying “I am opposite to this idea” instead of “I am against this idea” can completely change the meaning of your statement.
Mistake #2: Using “Opposite” To Mean “Reverse”
Another common mistake is using “opposite” to mean “reverse.” While they may seem similar, they have different meanings. “Opposite” refers to something that is completely different, while “reverse” means to go in the opposite direction or order. For example, if you reverse the order of a list, you are putting it in the opposite order.
Using “opposite” instead of “reverse” can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. For example, saying “I want to opposite the order of these items” instead of “I want to reverse the order of these items” can lead to confusion about what you actually want to do.
Tips To Avoid Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes, it’s important to understand the correct meanings of “opposite” and “against.” Here are some tips to help:
- Look up the definitions of words you are unsure about in a dictionary
- Think carefully about the meaning of the words you are using before you use them
- Read over your writing to check for mistakes and make corrections
By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and use “opposite” and “against” correctly in your writing and communication.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “opposite” and “against,” the context in which they are used can play a significant role. While both words convey a sense of opposition, they can have different connotations depending on the situation. Understanding the nuances of these words can help you use them more effectively in your writing.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between opposite and against might change:
| Context | Example | Appropriate Word Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Position | Two objects facing each other | Opposite |
| Physical Action | Pushing against a wall | Against |
| Emotional State | Feeling opposed to someone’s beliefs | Against |
| Comparison | Comparing two things | Opposite |
In the context of physical position or comparison, “opposite” is the appropriate word choice. For example, you might say “The two houses are opposite each other” or “The colors on the color wheel are opposite each other.” In these cases, “against” would not be appropriate.
On the other hand, in the context of physical action or emotional state, “against” is the appropriate word choice. For example, you might say “I am pushing against the door” or “I am against the idea of raising taxes.” In these cases, “opposite” would not be appropriate.
It’s important to consider the context in which you are using these words to ensure that you are conveying the intended meaning. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.
Exceptions To The Rules
Opposite
While the general rule for using opposite is to indicate a position or direction across from something, there are a few exceptions where this may not apply:
- Opposite as an adjective: When used as an adjective, opposite can refer to something that is completely different or contrary to something else. For example, “The two sisters have opposite personalities.”
- Opposite as a preposition: In some cases, opposite can be used as a preposition to indicate a location or position on the other side of something. For example, “The store is opposite the park.”
Against
Similarly, while the general rule for using against is to indicate opposition or resistance to something, there are a few exceptions:
- Against as a preposition: In some cases, against can be used as a preposition to indicate contact or physical pressure. For example, “He leaned against the wall.”
- Against as an adverb: Against can also be used as an adverb to indicate a contrary direction or movement. For example, “The wind was blowing against us.”
It’s important to note that these exceptions are not common and should be used with caution. In most cases, opposite and against should be used according to their general rules to avoid confusion or ambiguity in communication.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of opposite and against in sentences is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to get you started:
Exercise 1: Opposite Or Against?
In each of the following sentences, determine whether the word opposite or against is the correct choice. Write your answer next to the sentence.
| 1. The team was playing _______ their biggest rival. | __________ |
| 2. The book’s message is the _______ of what the author intended. | __________ |
| 3. The politician’s views are completely _______ to mine. | __________ |
| 4. The two companies are in direct competition _______ each other. | __________ |
| 5. The twins are identical in appearance, but their personalities are _______. | __________ |
Answer Key:
| 1. against |
| 2. opposite |
| 3. opposite |
| 4. against |
| 5. opposite |
Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank
Complete each sentence with the correct form of opposite or against.
- My opinion is completely _______ to yours.
- The two teams are bitter _______.
- The concept of war is the _______ of peace.
- The colors black and white are _______.
- The defendant was found guilty on all charges _______ him.
Answer Key:
- opposite
- enemies or against
- opposite
- opposite
- against
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of opposite and against in sentences. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be using these words like a pro!
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between opposite and against, it’s clear that these two words are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and contexts.
Opposite refers to something that is completely different or contrary, while against refers to something that is in opposition or in conflict with something else. Understanding the nuances between these words can help writers and speakers communicate more effectively and precisely.
It’s important to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve our communication skills. By expanding our vocabulary and understanding of word meanings, we can express ourselves more clearly and effectively.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.