Diametric vs. Opposite — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 27, 2023
"Diametric" refers to being completely contrary or opposed in character, while "Opposite" denotes a position, thing, or direction faced by another or that contrasts with another.
Difference Between Diametric and Opposite
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Diametric" typically emphasizes a direct and absolute contrast or opposition. It often appears in phrases such as "diametrically opposed." In contrast, "Opposite" is a more general term, denoting something that contrasts with, faces, or turns away from another.
The term "Diametric" is derived from "diameter," suggesting two points on opposite ends of a circle, signifying complete opposition. Meanwhile, "Opposite" has a broader scope and can be used to describe any two contrasting or conflicting entities, not necessarily in complete opposition.
While "Diametric" often emphasizes an inherent or intrinsic opposition in nature or character, "Opposite" may simply indicate a relative or spatial relationship. For instance, two houses on either side of a street are opposite each other, but they're not diametrically opposed.
"Diametric" is more commonly used in abstract or figurative contexts, highlighting profound differences in ideas, beliefs, or characteristics. On the other hand, "Opposite" can be used in both tangible and intangible contexts, ranging from physical positions to contrasting concepts.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Adjective, noun, preposition, adverb
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Definition
Completely contrary or opposed in character.
Contrasting or facing another; on the other side or end.
Context of Usage
Often used for abstract contrasts or deep oppositions.
Broad usage for both tangible positions and intangible contrasts.
Origin
From Latin "diametricus," related to diameter.
From Latin "oppositus," meaning set against.
Common Phrases
"Diametrically opposed"
"Opposite side," "opposite direction," "the opposite of love."
Compare with Definitions
Diametric
Pertaining to a diameter.
A diametric line divides the circle.
Opposite
Placed or located directly across from something else or from each other
Opposite sides of a building.
Diametric
Directly opposite.
Their stances were diametric on the issue.
Opposite
Facing the other way; moving or tending away from each other
Opposite directions.
Diametric
Contrasting sharply.
The diametric colors made the artwork pop.
Opposite
Being the other of two complementary or mutually exclusive things
The opposite sex.
An opposite role to the lead in the play.
Diametric
Absolute or extreme in opposition.
Their personalities were diametric in every aspect.
Opposite
Altogether different, as in nature, quality, or significance
The effect of the medication was opposite to that intended.
Diametric
Completely opposed in character or nature.
Their views were diametric on the subject.
Opposite
Sharply contrasting; antithetical
Had opposite views on the subject.
Diametric
Of, relating to, or along a diameter.
Opposite
Growing in pairs on either side of a stem
Opposite leaves.
Diametric
Exactly opposite; contrary.
Opposite
Arranged on the same radius as another part, as stamens and petals.
Diametric
Directly opposing.
In some religions, good and evil are considered diametric opposites.
Opposite
One that is opposite or contrary to another.
Diametric
Of or relating to a diameter; diametral.
Opposite
An opponent or antagonist.
Diametric
Of or pertaining to a diameter.
Opposite
An antonym.
Diametric
As remote as possible, as if at the opposite end of a diameter; directly adverse.
Opposite
In an opposite position
They sat opposite at the table.
Diametric
Related to or along a diameter;
The diametral plane
Opposite
Across from or facing
Parked the car opposite the bank.
Diametric
Characterized by opposite extremes; completely opposed;
In diametric contradiction to his claims
Diametrical (or opposite) points of view
Opposite meanings
Extreme and indefensible polar positions
Opposite
In a complementary dramatic role to
He played opposite her.
Opposite
Located directly across from something else, or from each other.
She saw him walking on the opposite side of the road.
Opposite
(botany) Of leaves and flowers, positioned directly across from each other on a stem.
Opposite
Facing in the other direction.
They were moving in opposite directions.
Opposite
Of either of two complementary or mutually exclusive things.
He is attracted to the opposite sex.
Opposite
Extremely different; inconsistent; contrary; repugnant; antagonistic.
Opposite
Something opposite or contrary to something else.
Opposite
A person or thing that is entirely different from or the reverse of someone or something else; used to show contrast between two people or two things.
She is the opposite of her ex-boyfriend who abused her both physically and verbally nearly every day for five years. She now works as an advocate and supportive listener for others who have endured abusive relationships.
Opposite
An opponent.
Opposite
An antonym.
"Up" is the opposite of "down".
Opposite
(mathematics) An additive inverse.
Opposite
In an opposite position.
I was on my seat and she stood opposite.
Where's the bus station? -Over there, just opposite.
Opposite
Facing, or across from.
He lives opposite the pub.
Opposite
In a complementary role to.
He played opposite Marilyn Monroe.
Opposite
(television) On another channel at the same time.
The game show Just Men! aired opposite The Young and the Restless on CBS.
Opposite
Placed over against; standing or situated over against or in front; facing; - often with to; as, a house opposite to the Exchange; the concert hall and the state theater stood opposite each other on the plaza.
Opposite
Situated on the other end of an imaginary line passing through or near the middle of an intervening space or object; - of one object with respect to another; as, the office is on the opposite side of town; - also used both to describe two objects with respect to each other; as, the stores were on opposite ends of the mall.
Opposite
Applied to the other of two things which are entirely different; other; as, the opposite sex; the opposite extreme; antonyms have opposite meanings.
Opposite
Extremely different; inconsistent; contrary; repugnant; antagonistic.
Novels, by which the reader is misled into another sort of pleasure opposite to that which is designed in an epic poem.
Particles of speech have divers, and sometimes almost opposite, significations.
Opposite
Set over against each other, but separated by the whole diameter of the stem, as two leaves at the same node.
Opposite
One who opposes; an opponent; an antagonist.
The opposites of this day's strife.
Opposite
That which is opposed or contrary in character or meaning; as, sweetness and its opposite; up is the opposite of down.
The virtuous man meets with more opposites and opponents than any other.
Opposite
Two words that express opposing concepts;
To him the opposite of gay was depressed
Opposite
A relation of direct opposition;
We thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
Opposite
A contestant that you are matched against
Opposite
Something inverted in sequence or character or effect;
When the direct approach failed he tried the inverse
Opposite
Being directly across from each other; facing;
And I on the opposite shore will be, ready to ride and spread the alarm
We lived on opposite sides of the street
At opposite poles
Opposite
Of leaves etc; growing in pairs on either side of a stem;
Opposite leaves
Opposite
Moving or facing away from each other;
Looking in opposite directions
They went in opposite directions
Opposite
The other one of a complementary pair;
The opposite sex
The two chess kings are set up on squares of opposite colors
Opposite
Altogether different in nature or quality or significance;
The medicine's effect was opposite to that intended
It is said that opposite characters make a union happiest
Opposite
Characterized by opposite extremes; completely opposed;
In diametric contradiction to his claims
Diametrical (or opposite) points of view
Opposite meanings
Extreme and indefensible polar positions
Opposite
Directly facing each other;
The two photographs lay face-to-face on the table
Lived all their lives in houses face-to-face across the street
They sat opposite at the table
Opposite
Facing something, especially when being its counterpart.
The house opposite ours is blue.
Opposite
Completely different from.
Love is the opposite of hate.
Opposite
In a position on the other side.
She sat on the opposite end of the table.
Opposite
Contrary in nature or effect.
The opposite reaction was unexpected.
Opposite
Being the other of a contrasted pair.
The opposite gender.
Common Curiosities
Can "Opposite" be used as a noun?
Yes, for instance: "Black is the opposite of white."
What's stronger, "Diametric" or "Opposite"?
"Diametric" often implies a stronger or more intrinsic opposition than "opposite."
Is "Diametric" always about complete opposition?
Typically, "diametric" suggests complete or absolute opposition, especially in contexts like "diametrically opposed."
Can "Opposite" describe physical positions?
Yes, like two buildings facing each other on a street.
Can "Diametric" refer to a diameter's properties?
Yes, in contexts like "diametric line," it pertains to a diameter.
Is "Opposite" broader in usage?
Yes, "Opposite" can be used for spatial, relational, and conceptual contrasts, making it broader.
Does "Diametric" only relate to abstract concepts?
No, while often used for abstract contrasts, it can describe tangible oppositions, like points on a circle.
Which is more commonly used?
"Opposite" is more commonly used given its broader applications.
Can "Diametric" be used in mathematics?
Yes, especially when discussing properties related to a diameter.
Can I say "diametric side"?
It's not common. "Diametric" is better suited for describing opposition, not position.
Can I use "Diametric" to describe colors?
Yes, if they contrast sharply, like black and white.
Do they always imply conflict?
No, while both imply contrast or opposition, they don't necessarily imply conflict.
Do both terms come from Latin?
Yes, "Diametric" from "diametricus" and "Opposite" from "oppositus."
Is "Opposite" only an adjective?
No, it can also be a noun, preposition, and adverb.
Is "Opposite" always about contrast?
Predominantly, but it can also imply relative positioning without intrinsic contrast.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
