Definition of opposite

The word "opposite" has its roots in Old French and Latin. The Old French word "oposite" emerged in the 13th century, derived from the Latin term "oppositus," which means "placed against" or "facing." This Latin term is a combination of "oppos" meaning "set against" and the suffix "-itus" which forms an adjective. In Latin, "oppositus" was used to describe objects or positions that are facing each other or in contrast to one another. The English word "opposite" was borrowed from Old French and has been in use since the 14th century. Initially, it referred to physical locations or objects that are facing one another, such as opposite sides of a street or opposite horns of a beast. Over time, the meaning of "opposite" expanded to include antonyms, or words that have contrasting meanings, such as "hot" and "cold." Today, the word "opposite" is widely used in many contexts to describe things that are mutually exclusive or contradictory.