totally opposite

USAGE SUMMARY

"totally opposite" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize the extreme differences between two things. For example, "The things she said were totally opposite of what I expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This change was pretty much total: different county, language, culture, food, water and totally opposite time of day compared to the old home.

Huffington Post

"It is totally opposite to how we have known him".

The New York Times

The two devices are similar and also totally opposite.

The New Yorker

We are totally opposite, but she is mine".

The New York Times

"It was a totally opposite story in the second half".

The New York Times - Sports

"My intention with Dogville was totally opposite," he said.

The Guardian - Film

But to have two such totally opposite conclusions is really hard to wrap your head around".

The New York Times

Others adhere to that totally opposite look, oversize jeans belted dangerously low.

The New York Times

I am certainly at the totally opposite admiration pole when it comes to Rafael Nadal...

The New York Times

"As human beings we are totally opposite in every area of life," he told Valencia's Super newspaper.

The Guardian - Sport

This, he said, represented a "totally opposite tendency from Uniqlo and Muji's no-character, functional design philosophy".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally opposite" to emphasize a stark contrast or fundamental difference between two things, ensuring the context makes the opposition clear.

Common error

Avoid using "totally opposite" for slight variations; reserve it for situations where the contrast is significant and easily perceived.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally opposite" functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the degree to which something is contrary or dissimilar to something else. As indicated by Ludwig, this expression is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "totally opposite" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to emphasize a strong contrast between two things. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely accepted and versatile in various contexts. It's particularly common in news and media, and science, serving to highlight fundamental differences. While useful, remember to reserve it for significant contrasts and consider more formal alternatives like "directly opposed" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely different

This alternative emphasizes the distinct nature of two things without necessarily implying direct opposition.

radically different

Emphasizes a significant and fundamental difference between two things.

directly opposed

This alternative focuses on the direct antagonism or conflict between two things.

entirely dissimilar

This phrase highlights the lack of resemblance between two subjects.

contrary to

This phrase points out a difference or opposition in nature, opinion, or purpose.

poles apart

This idiom suggests that two things are as different as can be, located at opposite extremes.

reverse of

Indicates that one thing is the exact opposite of another.

at variance

Implies a state of disagreement or conflict, suggesting opposition.

antithetical to

Suggests a fundamental opposition or contradiction between two things.

mutually exclusive

Highlights that two things cannot coexist or be true at the same time.

FAQs

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

You can use "totally opposite" to describe two things that are completely different. For example, "Their personalities are "totally opposite"".

What are some alternatives to "totally opposite"?

Alternatives to "totally opposite" include "completely different", "entirely dissimilar", or "poles apart". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "totally opposite" in formal writing?

Yes, "totally opposite" is appropriate for use in formal writing, especially when emphasizing a strong contrast. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "directly opposed" or "antithetical to" depending on the context.

Which is more accurate: "opposite" or "totally opposite"?

"Totally opposite" is more emphatic than "opposite". Use "totally opposite" when you want to stress the extreme nature of the contrast between two things. "Opposite" is suitable when the contrast is clear without needing extra emphasis.