the opposite of

USAGE SUMMARY

"the opposite of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to contrast two things or give an example of something that is the opposite of something else. For example: "We often think of the beach as a place of rest and relaxation, but it can also be the opposite of that - a place of excitement and adventure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The opposite of here.

The New York Times

The opposite of racism.

Independent

"It's the opposite of catering".

The New York Times

It's the opposite of stuffy.

The New York Times - Books

It's the opposite of that".

The New York Times

It's the opposite of fussy".

The New York Times

He's the opposite of Trump".

The New Yorker

Well, the opposite of course.

The New York Times

It's the opposite of dynamic.

The New Yorker

"The opposite of formalism.

The Washington Post

The opposite of sweet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the opposite of" to clearly define what something is not, especially when clarifying complex concepts or differentiating between similar ideas. This helps to establish boundaries and avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "the opposite of" when merely indicating a difference or variation. Ensure that the items being compared are truly contradictory, not just dissimilar. For example, use "different from" instead of "the opposite of" when describing varying shades of color.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the opposite of" serves as a determiner that introduces a noun or noun phrase, indicating that the noun is contrary to another noun or concept. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a grammatically correct and widely used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the opposite of" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to express contrast. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various writing styles. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Encyclopedias, this phrase helps to establish clear distinctions. While alternatives like "the converse of" or "the antithesis of" exist, "the opposite of" offers straightforward clarity, making it suitable for a wide range of contexts. Remember to use it when highlighting true contradictions and avoid it for mere differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the converse of

This alternative implies a reversal of terms or propositions.

the antithesis of

This alternative suggests a direct contrast or polar opposition.

the contrary of

This option indicates a direct contradiction or disagreement.

the inverse of

This term emphasizes a reversed relationship or function.

quite the reverse of

This alternative expresses a complete turnaround or reversal.

contrast with

This option highlights the differences between two things.

the reverse of

This choice signifies a backward or inverted order.

the contradiction of

This alternative underscores the presence of conflicting elements.

diametrically opposed to

This phrase indicates a complete opposition, as if on opposite ends of a diameter.

the other side of the coin

This idiom describes another aspect or perspective that is contrary to the one being discussed.

FAQs

How can I use "the opposite of" in a sentence?

You can use "the opposite of" to show contrast. For example, "If success is the goal, then failure is "the opposite of" that."

What's a simple way to explain "the opposite of"?

"The opposite of" is a phrase used to indicate something that is entirely different or contrary to something else. For instance, happiness is "the opposite of" sadness.

What can I say instead of "the opposite of"?

Alternatives to "the opposite of" include "the converse of", "the antithesis of", or "the contrary of" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "the opposite of", or can I imply the contrast?

While sometimes the contrast can be implied, using "the opposite of" is useful when precision and clarity are needed. It directly signals a contrary relationship, preventing ambiguity.