opposite meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opposite meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a statement or word with a meaning that is completely opposite to the one intended. For example, "The statement had the opposite meaning of what the speaker was trying to say."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

In his 1962 computer article "How to Design a Kludge," Jackson Granholm suggests kludge came from the German word "kludge," which means "witty" or "smart," and then adopted the opposite meaning.

Forbes

But the Western tattoo also took on an opposite meaning through the influence of Christianity.

The New York Times - Books

Europe is the opposite, meaning shale gas is unlikely to make more than small dent in its integrated gas market, particularly given widespread opposition across the continent.

The Guardian

TUESDAY'S PUZZLE — Happy Opposite Day! Did you ever play that game in school, where you wear your clothing backwards, and everything you do or say has the opposite meaning?

The New York Times

And as Easter's subversive message of the triumph of God's powerlessness over power faded into the background, the cross of Christ took on a new, and in many respects opposite, meaning.

The Guardian - Opinion

Leonard Woolf's 1967 autobiography, which recounted the nervous morbidity of his wife, the writer Virginia Woolf, had the opposite meaning: his title, "Downhill All the Way," was a reflection of a glass-half-empty attitude.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Prescribe/Proscribe Opposite meanings.

The Guardian

Coming soon: Words with opposite meanings (sanction, oversight).

Independent

The term becomes a contranym — a word with two opposite meanings, like "oversight" or "sanction".

The New Yorker

It's appropriate, though sad for Gödel, that his work has been interpreted to have simultaneously opposite meanings.

The New York Times - Books

Some are just a special kind of homonym; what appears to be one word with two opposite meanings is really two different words with identical spellings and pronunciations.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing interpretations or symbolism, use "opposite meaning" to clearly indicate a complete reversal of the intended or common understanding. For instance, "In the dream, the color white had the "opposite meaning", representing death instead of purity."

Common error

Avoid using "opposite meaning" when you simply intend to convey a variation or nuanced interpretation. "Opposite meaning" indicates a complete reversal, not just a divergence. For example, instead of saying "The subtle gesture had the "opposite meaning"", consider "The subtle gesture had a different meaning", if the interpretation is simply altered, not reversed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opposite meaning" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as an object or complement within a sentence. It describes the nature of a meaning that is contrary to another, as shown by Ludwig's examples. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opposite meaning" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe situations where something is interpreted in a way that is completely contrary to its usual or intended sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the intended interpretation is indeed a full reversal, not just a variation. Alternatives such as "reversed meaning" or "contradictory meaning" can offer more specific nuances. Ultimately, "opposite meaning" serves as a powerful tool for highlighting contrasts and complexities in communication and interpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reversed meaning

This alternative focuses on the idea of a meaning that has been turned around or inverted.

reverse meaning

This emphasizes the idea of a meaning that has been completely inverted.

contradictory meaning

This emphasizes the conflicting and mutually exclusive nature of two meanings.

opposing meaning

This highlights the action of one meaning conflicting with another.

conflicting meaning

This emphasizes the clash between two or more meanings.

antagonistic meaning

This term implies a meaning that is not just different but actively opposes the original.

averse meaning

Similar to 'antagonistic meaning', this suggests a strong sense of contrast or opposition in meaning.

counter meaning

This suggests a meaning that acts against or neutralizes another meaning.

opposition meaning

This focuses on the state of being in direct contrast or conflict regarding the meaning.

inconsistent meaning

This conveys that the meaning clashes or doesn't align with what is expected.

FAQs

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

You can use "opposite meaning" to describe situations where something is interpreted in a way that is the complete reverse of its intended or common understanding. For example, "The character's actions conveyed the "opposite meaning" of what he intended."

What is a common error when using "opposite meaning"?

A common error is using "opposite meaning" when you mean "different meaning". "Opposite meaning" implies a complete reversal, while "different meaning" simply suggests a variation or nuance. Always consider if the interpretation is truly the reverse, or just altered.

Are there synonyms for "opposite meaning"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "reversed meaning", "contradictory meaning", or "inverse meaning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "opposite meaning" in academic writing?

It is appropriate to use "opposite meaning" in academic writing when analyzing texts, symbols, or behaviors that have interpretations that are directly contrary to their conventional understanding. This is particularly relevant in fields like literature, psychology, and cultural studies.