I am trying to describe two people with opposite personalites and the sentence is structured so that I need the idiom/phrase to act like an adjective. The sentence is «… events of the summer intertwine the stories of 2 _____ drug dealers, 2 high school lifeguards…» I need a phrase that fits in the space that is short (i.e. 1-3 words) and makes the point that while they are both drug dealers they have complete opposite personalities and incentives. Basically I want something better than «dissimilar». It doesn’t need to be this specific, but if it helps, one of the dealers is super chill and laid back to a fault while the other is super uptight and always in a hurry.
asked May 26, 2022 at 21:36
NickNick
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1
Chalk and cheese.
When using the idiom “chalk and cheese,” you’re referring to two items, tasks, people, or ideologies that are entirely different from one another. The phrase still has a use today, and many people use it in informal and formal settings to describe differences.
This idiom dates all the way back to the 13th century, and it remains relevant today. The “chalk” and the “cheese” can refer to many different items, people, ideologies, or any situation where you want to compare two opposites.
Bit of a cliché, though.
answered May 26, 2022 at 22:48
PetePete
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antipodal: The events of summer intertwine the stories of (two) antipodal drug dealers.
MW:
1: of or relating to the antipodes
specifically : situated at the opposite side of the earth or moon
an antipodal meridian
an antipodal continent
2: diametrically opposite
an antipodal point on a sphere
3: entirely opposed
a system antipodal to democracy
answered May 26, 2022 at 22:08
Zan700Zan700
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We often use the term “two opposites” to describe two people or things, that we consider or know to be entirely different from one another. Although there is nothing wrong with saying “two opposites”, it’s very common and therefore, using a synonym or alternative terms may become necessary or appreciated.
What Are Two Opposites Called?
Much to the surprise of many people, there are a large variety of words and phrases that someone could use in place of saying “two opposites”. However, for the purposes of this article, we will be going over the following ten terms:
- Antithesis
- Antipode
- The Reverse
- The Contrary
- To Counter
- Direct Contrast
- Flip Side
- Other Extreme
- The Converse
- Antonym
The preferred version that we will be highlighting is “antithesis”. This is because the term “antithesis” accurately describes two direct opposites, while also being a much more uncommonly utilized phrase – making it particularly appropriate in an educational or professional setting.
Antithesis
When we use the term “antithesis”, we are describing a thing or person that is the direct opposite of something or someone else. This is because Cambridge Dictionary defines “antithesis” as being the exact opposite of something – making this term an excellent choice when two things are extremely opposite.
We can also use the term “antithesis” to depict the difference or opposition between two things.
Here are a few examples that showcase the use of this specific term:
- She is very quiet and softspoken, making her the direct antithesis of her older brother.
- Choosing to be generous and selfless is the antithesis of choosing to be selfish.
- I would consider him to be the direct antithesis of the usual man that I would find attractive, however, I still like him.
Antipode
Another great alternative term that we can choose to use in place of “two opposites” is the term “antipode”. We often see this term used in Geography; however, it is applicable amongst any subject. This is because an “antipode” is defined as being the direct opposite of something else.
We would consider the North and South Poles to be “antipodes”, but we can also consider two people to be “antipodes” because they are polar opposites.
We can now look over the following examples that help to show the proper use of this term:
- Those two may be twin sisters, but they are antipodes in every possible way.
- Today in class, we will be studying the North Pole and its antipode, the South Pole.
- Class, here is your fun fact for the day – the Indian Ocean is the direct antipode of The United States of America.
The Reverse
We can choose to use the term “the reverse” to describe something that is the opposite of what has just been said or done. Cambridge Dictionary defines “reverse” as to change the direction, order, position, result, etc., of something to its opposite.
Because of this, we can use “the reverse” to depict the direct opposite of something that has been suggested.
For additional information, we can look at the following examples that show the use of this term:
- What we believed to be an upwards trend, now appears to be headed in the reverse.
- Whatever the official news broadcasts claimed, he would believe the reverse – without questioning it.
- She didn’t feel homesick like the rest of her travel companions – quite the reverse actually.
The Contrary
We will often consider the term “the contrary” to mean the opposite, with even Cambridge Dictionary defining it as such. Therefore, we can use “the contrary” to depict something in direct opposition to what has originally been said or done.
At the same time, we can also consider someone to be “contrary” when they enjoy disagreeing with other people, often to the point of annoyance.
Here are various examples that highlight the use of this term:
- He opposes everything that is said because he wants to be known as the contrary one in the group.
- On the contrary, I found the film to be utterly ridiculous and incredibly far from the truth.
- The experiment has proved the contrary to be the truth.
To Counter
Another superb alternative term that we can use is “to counter”. Cambridge Dictionary defines “to counter” as to react to something with an opposing opinion or action, or to defend yourself against something. Because of this, we consider the “counter” point, to be the direct opposite.
When we choose “to counter” someone, we choose to remain in the direct opposition or to completely oppose their views.
To showcase how this term can be properly used, here are some examples:
- Extra police were being moved into the area to counter the escalating levels of violence and destruction.
- To counter your point, I do not believe that twenty years in prison is justifiable for theft under $5,000.
- She consistently attempts to counter my arguments, even when our professor has already told me that I was correct.
Direct Contrast
We can use the term “direct contrast” similarly to our other terms. This is because Cambridge Dictionary defines “contrast” as an obvious difference between two or more things. Therefore, a “direct contrast” would be considered the exact differences or opposition between two things.
A “direct contrast” will have obvious or highlighted dissimilarities between whatever has been compared.
We’ll now look over the following examples, that include this specific term:
- Her views are in direct contrast to mine, which makes it difficult for us to agree on anything.
- His morals and views are in direct contrast to his parents and the church in which he was raised.
- This is in direct contrast to what you’ve always been taught while growing up, so why are you acting this way?
Flip Side
We will often consider the “flip side” to be the negative half of two opposites. This is because Cambridge Dictionary defines the “flip side” as the opposite, less good, or less popular side of something. Regardless of it being the unattractive or unwanted opposite, this still describes opposites nonetheless.
We can use the term “flip side” to describe two opposites that we do not necessarily believe to have a negative side, however, it’s important to bear in mind the true meaning of the term.
The following examples will highlight the accurate use of this term:
- We can often consider virtues to be the flip side of vices.
- Effectively creating more homelessness by the rising cost of living, is on the flip side of decreasing the number of people on welfare.
- I’m now seeing the flip side of his plan and I’m not liking how conniving he is being.
Other Extreme
We use the term “other extreme” to contrast something that is beyond what is considered to be normal or reasonable in one extreme, with something else that is in an opposite amount or to an opposite degree which is beyond what is thought of as normal or reasonable.
Because of this, we can use the term “other extreme” when we wish to highlight two things or people who are incredibly polar opposite to one another.
Some examples that we can go over that utilize this particular term are:
- The company has gone from lavishly spending, to the other extreme of being ridiculously cheap – all to save themselves from bankruptcy.
- You’ve gone from one bit of ridiculousness to the other extreme, multiple times today. Are you sure you’re feeling alright?
- At the other extreme were pacifists, who rejected any form of violence – even forms of self-defence.
The Converse
Although when we hear the term “converse”, we commonly think of speaking with someone, this term has another meaning. Cambridge Dictionary defines “the converse” as being the opposite. Therefore, we can adequately use “the converse” to depict something that is the opposite of something else.
We can now look over the following examples, that show the use of this term:
- In the UK you drive on the left side of the road, but in the USA and Canada, the converse is true.
- We need to bear in mind that the converse of our hypothesis may, in fact, be the results that we achieve.
- The converse effect happened during our experiment, which came much to our surprise.
Antonym
The last term that we will be going over is “antonym”. Cambridge Dictionary defines an “antonym” as a word that means the opposite of another word. Because of this, we can use the term “antonym” to adequately describe two words or phrases that mean the opposite of one another.
Therefore, we can also consider an “antonym” to be the exact opposite of a “synonym”.
Here are a few examples that go over the use of this specific term:
- The word “light” actually has two antonyms, one being dark and the other being heavy.
- We can consider good to be the antonym for the term bad.
- We will often see proper antonyms listed on grammar websites, after the list of synonyms.
What Are Examples Of Two Opposites?
We will now go over some examples that showcase different known opposites:
- Light and Dark or Heavy
- Night and Day
- Leave and Arrive
- Junior and Senior
- Better and Worse
- Rich and Poor
- Sickness and Health
- Up and Down
- On and Off
- Intelligent and Dumb
- Small and Large
You may also like: 10 Terms For Two Words That Contradicts Each Other
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
The English language is a mystery to many non-speakers. This is largely due to the contradictions within the language itself, such as English words that have opposite definitions despite being spelled the same way. If you’re an English speaker, you do not pay much attention to these things. But for English language learners, these types of words add to their confusion with the language.
Do you know what the words that are spelled similarly and have two different meanings are called? They are called contronyms. The simplest explanation is that they are words that have opposite meanings.
Several nyms comprise the English language. Words that mean the same thing are synonyms. Words that sound the same but have different spelling, such as pear and pair are homonyms. Antonyms are the opposite meaning of a word. Heteronyms are words spelled similarly but pronounced differently.
What is a contronym?
A contronym is one word that has opposite meanings, which depends on the context of its use. It seems illogical that one word can have two different meanings, which can be the exact opposite of the other at times. For example, the word cleave means to cling, to adhere or to stick to something or someone. But it can also mean to cut, to split or to separate.
A contronym has other names, too. Some people call it contronym while others refer to it as autoantonym. More descriptive terms include antilogy, self-antonym, enantiodrome and antagonym. There’s still another term that many people use to refer to contronyms – Janus words. It was derived from Janus, an Italian deity of old, said to be heaven’s doorkeeper whose head has two faces, one in front and one at the back.
Development of English words with opposite meanings
The English language continues to evolve, including its parts. People, especially native speakers of English use contronyms in their daily conversation, but it may be tricky for learners of the language.
Contronyms develop over time as a result of constant use. For example, according to its etymology, the word blunt used to mean obtuse (person) or dull (weapons, tools) when it was used from the 12th century to the late 14th century. But around the 1580s, it became a word to mean sharp, referring to abrupt manner or speech, which takes on the context of making an unceremoniously made or direct comment. Another example is the word bolt, an Old English term whose original meaning (as a verb) is to fix or fasten something. Centuries later, bolt is also used to mean spring into sudden action, which could have been derived from bolt (noun) that refers to a missile or projectile such as an arrow.
One vital thing for English language learners to remember is to understand the context in using a word so that they will not make the mistake of saying something that is contradictory to the intended meaning.
This knowledge is essential in interpretation and translation as well. If a contronym is used in a different context, it can distort the whole meaning of the conversation or a sentence. If you need translation or interpreting services, ensure that you collaborate with a professional and native-speaking translator or interpreter, so as to avoid these types of mistakes.
The development of contronyms is also due to pronunciation changes through the years. Let’s look at the word cleave again. It means to join together and to split apart. It came from two Old English words, cleofan (split apart, separate) and cleofian (also clifian, cliofian) (adhere, stick together). Through years of use, the two words started to sound the same and later merged to become cleave.
Here’s another interesting one. Let is a word that used to mean stop, delay, obstruct, impede. It came from the Old English term lettan. Another Old English word, lætan means to leave undone, leave behind, bequeath or to allow. The original words later formed the contronym, let.
In some cases, the difference is the variant of English one uses creates the contronyms. In a parliamentary procedure, to table a bill means that the bill could be discussed, considered or reconsidered in British English. In American English however, it means to suspend or postpone the consideration.
Examples of contronyms
If you love languages, you’ll have fun with contronyms. But for many people, it can be confusing. So instead of getting confused, here are some examples of contronyms, which could be words that you use every day or see often. You may not even realize that you are using them in two different contexts because you are so used to them.
- Sanction is either to impose a penalty on something or give official approval or permission.
- You use left when you mean someone or something is still remaining (this is what’s left of the bunch), but it can also be used to mean someone departed (left the party, group, team, etc.).
- You dust the furniture to remove dirt. You can also dust, in the context of applying it, such as dusting a cake with powdered sugar.
- When you seed a cucumber, you are removing its seeds. When you seed your lawn, you are adding seeds (grass) to the soil.
- Trim can mean to cut or remove irregularities or outgrowth (plants, trees) or reduce the length of your hair. But you can also use the word to mean embellishing or decorating something, such as a Christmas tree.
- When you mean something or someone is moving rapidly, you say it or she/he is fast. In terms of fabric color, it means that the dye will not run. It can also mean something is unmoving or fixed.
- Off, when used as an adjective can mean something is not in operation or is deactivated, such as the stove is off or the light is off. It can also mean activated (the alarm went off) as well. As an adverb, it can denote distance in relation to space and time (the dinghy is two kilometers off the shore) or moving from a position or place (drove off, went off to work, event is still two weeks off).
- Weather is an atmospheric condition, but it could mean enduring, as in weathered the economic downturn, or worn away, just like weathered wood or rock.
- You can either screen to hide or block out an ugly view or corner, or use it to mean show (film/movie), test or sort.
- Clip can mean bind things together, such as sheets of paper. It can also mean to separate or cut away or a part, as in clip your fingernails, clip the wings.
- Centuries back, flog meant to whip, cane or beat a person or animal. In today’s application, it is used as a sales term, as in persistently promote something (such as a book).
- The word hold can either mean to support something or someone, but it can also mean hinder, arrest or confine.
- When you say toss, it can either mean discarding something, but it can also mean suggesting (like toss out an idea).
- The military term anabasis means military retreat as well as military advance.
Here are more contronyms for you to use:
- Aught (nothing, all)
- Chuffed (annoyed, pleased)
- Consult (give advice, seek advice)
- Custom (special, usual)
- Dollop (small amount, large amount)
- Enjoin (prohibit, prescribe)
- Garnish (curtail wages, enhance food)
- Give out (stop production, produce)
- Grade (level, incline)
- Handicap (disadvantage e.g. physical or mental condition, advantage)
- Mean (excellent, average)
- Put out (generate, extinguish)
- Strike (miss, hit)
- Transparent (obvious, invisible)
- Unbending (relaxing, rigid)
- Wind up (start up, end)
- Story (factual, untrue account)
- Scan (skim, scrutinize)
- Refrain (stop an action, repeat an action, e.g, song refrain)
- Oversight (close control and scrutiny, accidental error or omission)
- Overlook (place to see things from above, miss seeing things or details)
- Peruse (read in a cursory or casual way, go over something attentively)
Remember that when using contronyms, you have to be aware of the words’ context, to ensure that you are relaying the right message.
Assurance of right context and correct definitions
The job of a professional translator is to provide an accurate translation of a source document into any language, which also includes careful consideration of the context of the message to ensure its proper delivery. At Day Translations, Inc. we work only with native speakers, to ensure the quality of the language. Our translators live in-country, so they are not only fluent in the language, but they are also fully knowledgeable of the culture of their country. They are professionals with years of experience in language services.
We also have subject matter experts for specific translation needs. We see to it that all the translation projects we handle pass through our quality control process to make sure that ensure accuracy, appropriateness of terminology and proper context. For all your translation and interpreting needs, call Day Translations. We offer a full suite of language services so you only have to talk to one organization. We are available 24/7, 365 days of the year. You can reach us through 1-800-969-6853. You have the option to send us an email as well here: Contact us.
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Opposite words contrast each other. In other words, they are antonyms of each other. For example, black and white are complete opposites because they are the opposite ends of the spectrum for colors.
In this opposite for kids worksheet, students have to find the 2 opposites in each group of 3. After they find the opposites, they have to circle them.
From start to finish, they have to find their opposites. When they have completes the opposite adjectives worksheet, instructors will have to verify they are correct.
Opposites for Kids Worksheet Answers
- Good / Bad
- Heavy / Light
- Expensive / Cheap
- Full / Empty
- Wet / Dry
- Smooth / Rough
- Thick / Thin
- Old / Young
- Right / Left
- Strong / Weak
- Poor / Rich
- Hot / Cold
- Clean / Dirty
- Quiet / Noisy
- Right / Left
- Brave / Scared
- Complex / Simple
- Visible / Invisible
- Calm / Excited
- Ugly / Beautiful
Related Adjectives and Grammar Worksheets
If you need more grammar and adjectives worksheets, see our free printable activity sheets below.
- Top 10 Adjective Worksheets to Boost Vocabulary and Description
- Top 3 Opposite Worksheets – Lesson Plans to Teach Opposite Words
- 5 Best Comparative and Superlative Worksheets for Classroom Lesson Plans
Task 1
Match the words with their opposites. Then write a sentence with each word combination.
1. huge
A. patiently
2. unimportant
B. ability
3. impatiently
C. valuable
4. excluded
D. significant
5. inability
E. ugly
6. beautiful
F. private
7. responsible
G. included
8. public
H. irresponsible
9. worthless
I. tiny
Task 3
Complete the text with the given words.
landscapes, watercolours, exhibition, skilled, drawings, still lifes, portraits, oils, display, techniques
Last weekend, my friend Larry and I went to an art 1. _______________. There were a variety of paintings and 2. _______________ on 3. _______________. There were true-to-life 4. _______________ of famous people, beautiful 5. _______________ of waterfalls and valleys, and also 6. _______________. For landscapes, most artists used 7. _______________, but some of them worked in 8. _______________. 9. _______________ artists use interesting 10. _______________ to show the shadows.
Task 4
Fill in the gaps with comparatives and superlatives.
By far, this drawing is _________________ (valuable) in my collection.
This gallery is _________________ (busy) one I’ve ever been to!
The colours on this painting are _________________ (warm) than on that one.
That was the _________________ (bad) technique I’ve ever seen.
Lorna is _________________ (talented) sculptor I’ve seen. She makes sculptures out of clay.
The lines in Picasso’s pictures were drawn much _________________ (accurately) than I expected.
Which of these two vases do you find _________________ (good)?
I think that painting with watercolours must be _________________ (difficult) than painting with oils.
You should study _________________ (carefully) to improve your skills.
This picture is _______________ (great) I’ve ever seen.