complete opposite

USAGE SUMMARY

"complete opposite" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English to describe two things that are nearly exact opposites of each other.
For example, "My brother and I are complete opposites; he's outgoing and I'm shy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's the complete opposite".

The New York Times - Sports

The complete opposite.

The New York Times

Maya's the complete opposite.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is the complete opposite.

The New York Times - Sports

"Today was the complete opposite.

Independent

"It was a complete opposite".

The New York Times - Sports

David is the complete opposite.

The Guardian - Film

Baseball is the complete opposite.

The Guardian - Sport

It was the complete opposite.

The New York Times - Arts

My little sister is the complete opposite.

The Guardian - Sport

In sport it's the complete opposite.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complete opposite" to emphasize a stark contrast between two subjects, ensuring clarity in your comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "complete opposite" when a simpler phrase like "different" or "unlike" would suffice; reserve it for situations where you want to stress a fundamental and irreconcilable difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete opposite" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically to emphasize the extreme difference between two things. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. Examples show it describing contrasting personalities, situations, or concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complete opposite" is a grammatically correct and very common way to express a stark contrast between two things. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use, especially in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the differences are fundamental and irreconcilable. Consider alternatives like "polar opposite" or "diametrically opposed" to add nuance, and avoid overuse in simple comparisons. Using this advice you can confidently use the phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

polar opposite

Implies the opposition is as extreme as the North and South Poles.

exact reverse

Focuses on the idea of something being precisely the inverse of something else.

diametrically opposed

Highlights the opposition as being on directly opposing sides or directions.

stark contrast

Highlights an extreme or sharp difference between two things.

directly contradictory

Emphasizes the conflicting nature of the two things being compared.

utter contrast

Emphasizes the stark difference and complete dissimilarity.

antithetical

Indicates a fundamental and irreconcilable opposition.

total inversion

Suggests that the order or state of something has been completely flipped.

reverse situation

Describes that the circumstances are inverted.

complete turnaround

Suggests a total change of direction or policy.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "complete opposite" in a sentence?

Use "complete opposite" to draw a strong contrast between two things. For example, "His personality is the "complete opposite" of hers."

What phrases can I use instead of "complete opposite"?

You can use alternatives such as "polar opposite", "diametrically opposed", or "utter contrast" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "exact complete opposite"?

While "complete opposite" already implies a high degree of contrast, adding "exact" can emphasize the precision of the opposition, though it may sometimes be perceived as slightly redundant. Consider the context to decide if the extra emphasis is necessary.

How does "complete opposite" differ from a "slight contrast"?

"Complete opposite" indicates a fundamental and irreconcilable difference, whereas "slight contrast" suggests only a minor or subtle difference. The former is used for stark differences, the latter for minor ones.