absolutely opposite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely opposite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a complete or total contrast between two ideas, opinions, or situations. Example: "Their views on climate change are absolutely opposite, making it difficult to find common ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In fact they may look absolutely opposite to traditional party structures.

The Guardian - Opinion

Owens confirmed the impression in an e-mail: "Being a mom and still making art involves absolutely opposite parts of your brain.

The New Yorker

At the start of the program the quartet's cellist, Raphaël Merlin gave a charming talk to explain that, other than having been written in Austria, the Mozart divertimento and the Beethoven quartet are "absolutely opposite".

The New York Times - Arts

Pure LiNb3O8 powders are obtained with two absolutely opposite Li/Nb ratios: 8 1 and 1 3; the former shows a unique porous and hollow structure, quite different from the particle aggregation (the latter shows).

Nanoscale Research Letters

For the preparation of another Li-Nb-O compound LiNb3O8, it can be obtained with two absolutely opposite Li/Nb ratios: 8 1 and 1 3 (designated as LiNb3O8-8 1 LiNb3O8-8 1-1:3).

Nanoscale Research Letters

Pure LiNb3O8 powders are obtained with two absolutely opposite Li/Nb ratios: 8 1 and 1 3; the former shows a unique porous and hollow structure, quite different with the particle aggregation (the latter shows).

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Absolutely the opposite.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's absolutely the opposite.

The New York Times

No, it's absolutely the opposite.

The New Yorker

So I actually set out to do absolutely the opposite.

The Guardian - Books

"That is absolutely the opposite of what is happening.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely opposite" to strongly emphasize a contrast, ensuring the context makes the degree of opposition clear. It's effective when highlighting mutually exclusive options or viewpoints.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely opposite" when the difference is only slight or nuanced. Overusing the phrase can weaken its impact when a strong contrast truly exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely opposite" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun to describe something that is entirely contrary or antithetical to something else. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "absolutely opposite" is a grammatically sound and emphatic way to express complete contrast. Ludwig confirms its correctness. It's used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing, to highlight fundamental disagreements or differences. When using "absolutely opposite", ensure the context warrants such a strong level of contrast. If a gentler expression is needed, consider alternatives such as "completely contrary" or "entirely opposed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exact opposite

Highlights the precise and direct reversal of characteristics or qualities.

completely contrary

Indicates a total disagreement or opposition, focusing on the conflicting nature of the items being compared.

entirely opposed

Emphasizes the full extent of the opposition, suggesting a strong and fundamental disagreement.

directly opposed

Emphasizes the direct and intentional conflict or disagreement.

diametrically opposed

Highlights the direct opposition, implying that the items are as far apart as possible.

perfectly contradictory

Emphasizes a logical incompatibility between two statements or ideas.

utterly different

Stresses the complete lack of resemblance between two things.

poles apart

Uses a spatial metaphor to convey a great distance or difference between two things.

at opposite extremes

Indicates that two things are located at the furthest possible points on a spectrum or scale.

as different as night and day

Uses a common idiom to illustrate a clear and obvious contrast.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely opposite" in a sentence?

You can use "absolutely opposite" to emphasize a complete contrast between two things. For example, "Their political views are "absolutely opposite", making compromise difficult."

What's a good alternative to "absolutely opposite"?

Alternatives include "completely contrary", "entirely opposed", or "diametrically opposed", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "absolutely opposite" or "complete opposite"?

"Absolutely opposite" emphasizes the totality of the contrast more strongly than "complete opposite", but both are grammatically correct and can be used depending on the desired level of emphasis.

When should I use "absolutely opposite" instead of "very different"?

Use "absolutely opposite" when the items being compared are not just different, but represent opposing extremes or conflicting viewpoints. "Very different" is suitable for milder distinctions.