Opposite vs. Similar — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 25, 2023
“Opposite” denotes things with contrasting or conflicting characteristics, while “Similar” refers to things having alike or equivalent features.
Difference Between Opposite and Similar
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
“Opposite” is a term utilized to describe entities or concepts that exhibit conflicting, contrasting, or contradictory characteristics or qualities. It implies a diametric deviation or disparity, highlighting the polar differences between the elements being compared. “Opposite” underscores the existence of divergent attributes, emphasizing the variance and incongruence between different elements, allowing us to understand and perceive the spectrum of diversity and contradiction in our surroundings.
Conversely, the term “Similar” is used to depict entities or concepts that share common characteristics, features, or qualities, suggesting a likeness or equivalence between them. It denotes comparable attributes or elements, revealing a congruence or correspondence in their features or properties. “Similar” elucidates the shared qualities, focusing on the homogeneity and parity between different elements, enabling us to identify and recognize the commonality and uniformity inherent in our environment.
The understanding of “Opposite” and “Similar” forms the basis for comparative analysis, allowing us to discern the relationships, correlations, and distinctions between diverse entities or concepts. Where “Opposite” brings attention to the discrepancies and contradictions, “Similar” highlights the analogous and equivalent aspects, providing insights into the relational dynamics, harmonies, and conflicts present in the world around us.
The concepts of being “Opposite” and being “Similar” serve as foundational elements in our cognitive processes, playing crucial roles in our perception, reasoning, and interpretation of the world. The realization of what is “Opposite” aids in defining boundaries, understanding contrasts, and making distinctions, while the recognition of what is “Similar” assists in drawing connections, finding common ground, and establishing associations.
The utilization of “Opposite” and “Similar” is integral in various fields and disciplines, aiding in the exploration, study, and comprehension of the multifaceted aspects of existence. They act as lenses through which we view, analyze, and interpret the myriad of phenomena, structures, and relationships in our universe, enriching our knowledge, perspective, and appreciation of the diversity and unity within the cosmos.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Represents conflicting or contrasting characteristics.
Denotes alike or equivalent features.
Implication
Highlights disparity and contradiction.
Emphasizes congruence and correspondence.
Application
Used to understand contrasts and make distinctions.
Applied to draw connections and find common ground.
Perception
Perceived as divergent and incongruent.
Perceived as analogous and equivalent.
Role in Cognition
Aids in defining boundaries and understanding contrasts.
Assists in establishing associations and finding commonality.
Compare with Definitions
Opposite
Diametrically different from something else.
Their opinions on the subject were opposite.
Similar
Corresponding in appearance, function, or general characteristics.
The products are similar in terms of quality and durability.
Opposite
Being on opposing ends of a spectrum or scale.
The North Pole is opposite the South Pole.
Similar
Possessing comparable or analogous attributes.
Their opinions on the matter were surprisingly similar.
Opposite
Representing a reversed position or direction.
The car moved in the opposite direction.
Similar
Exhibiting uniformity or equivalence in properties or characteristics.
The twins have similar facial features.
Opposite
Placed or located directly across from something else or from each other
Opposite sides of a building.
Similar
Conforming in every respect.
The conditions today are similar to yesterday’s.
Opposite
Facing the other way; moving or tending away from each other
Opposite directions.
Similar
Having a likeness or resemblance, especially in a general way.
The two paintings are quite similar in color and style.
Opposite
Being the other of two complementary or mutually exclusive things
The opposite sex.
An opposite role to the lead in the play.
Similar
Having a resemblance in appearance, character, or quantity, without being identical
Northern India and similar areas
A soft cheese similar to Brie
Opposite
Altogether different, as in nature, quality, or significance
The effect of the medication was opposite to that intended.
Similar
A person or thing similar to another
He was one of those whose similar you never meet
Opposite
Sharply contrasting; antithetical
Had opposite views on the subject.
Similar
A substance that produces effects resembling the symptoms of particular diseases (the basis of homeopathic treatment)
The principle of treatment by similars
Opposite
Growing in pairs on either side of a stem
Opposite leaves.
Similar
Having a resemblance in appearance or nature; alike though not identical.
Opposite
Arranged on the same radius as another part, as stamens and petals.
Similar
(Mathematics) Having corresponding angles equal and corresponding line segments proportional. Used of geometric figures
Similar triangles.
Opposite
One that is opposite or contrary to another.
Similar
Having traits or characteristics in common; alike, comparable.
My new car is similar to my old one, except it has a bit more space in the back.
Opposite
An opponent or antagonist.
Similar
(mathematics) Of geometrical figures including triangles, squares, ellipses, arcs and more complex figures, having the same shape but possibly different size, rotational orientation, and position; in particular, having corresponding angles equal and corresponding line segments proportional; such that one can be had from the other using a sequence of rotations, translations and scalings.
Opposite
An antonym.
Similar
Of two square matrices; being such that a conjugation sends one matrix to the other.
Opposite
In an opposite position
They sat opposite at the table.
Similar
That which is similar to, or resembles, something else, as in quality, form, etc.
Opposite
Across from or facing
Parked the car opposite the bank.
Similar
(homeopathy) A material that produces an effect that resembles the symptoms of a particular disease.
Opposite
In a complementary dramatic role to
He played opposite her.
Similar
Exactly corresponding; resembling in all respects; precisely like.
Opposite
Located directly across from something else, or from each other.
She saw him walking on the opposite side of the road.
Similar
Nearly corresponding; resembling in many respects; somewhat like; having a general likeness.
Opposite
(botany) Of leaves and flowers, positioned directly across from each other on a stem.
Similar
Homogenous; uniform.
Opposite
Facing in the other direction.
They were moving in opposite directions.
Similar
That which is similar to, or resembles, something else, as in quality, form, etc.
Opposite
Of either of two complementary or mutually exclusive things.
He is attracted to the opposite sex.
Similar
Marked by correspondence or resemblance;
Similar food at similar prices
Problems similar to mine
They wore similar coats
Opposite
Extremely different; inconsistent; contrary; repugnant; antagonistic.
Similar
Having the same or similar characteristics;
All politicians are alike
They looked utterly alike
Friends are generaly alike in background and taste
Opposite
Something opposite or contrary to something else.
Similar
Resembling or similar; having the same or some of the same characteristics; often used in combination;
Suits of like design
A limited circle of like minds
Members of the cat family have like dispositions
As like as two peas in a pod
Doglike devotion
A dreamlike quality
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.
Similar
(of words) expressing closely related meanings
Opposite
An opponent.
Similar
Capable of replacing or changing places with something else;
Interchangeable parts
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
Having conflicting or contrasting characteristics or properties.
The colors black and white are opposite to each other.
Opposite
Serving to contrast or counteract.
The medicine had the opposite effect on the patient.
Common Curiosities
Can “Opposite” always be applied to contrasting concepts?
Yes, “Opposite” is applicable to concepts, objects, or entities with contrasting or conflicting characteristics.
Does “Opposite” always imply complete contradiction?
Not necessarily. While “Opposite” denotes conflicting characteristics, the level of contradiction may vary depending on the context.
Is “Similar” only used to describe visual resemblance?
No, “Similar” can refer to resemblance in various aspects like function, characteristics, or properties, not just appearance.
Can “Similar” imply identical?
Not exactly. “Similar” denotes likeness or resemblance but does not imply being identical or exactly the same.
Is “Opposite” used only to describe polar extremes?
No, while it often denotes polar extremes, “Opposite” can also describe any entities with conflicting or contrasting characteristics.
Can two things be both opposite and similar?
Yes, things can be opposite in some respects but similar in others, depending on the context and characteristics being compared.
Can “Similar” be used to compare feelings or ideas?
Yes, “Similar” can be used to denote likeness or equivalence in feelings, ideas, concepts, or any other entities.
Does “Opposite” only apply to tangible objects?
No, “Opposite” can apply to both tangible and intangible entities, such as ideas, values, or directions.
Can things be somewhat similar?
Yes, “Similar” can denote varying degrees of likeness or resemblance, from being somewhat to very similar.
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Written by
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.
