opposite
opposite; facing directly across
- Facing each other across a space (table/street/room).
- Often similar to across from, with a stronger "face-to-face" feeling.
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Examples
Spatial examples
The cafe is opposite the school.
His seat is opposite mine.
Related prepositions
Key differences
Opposite means face-to-face across a space. It is often similar to across from, but opposite can feel more directly facing. Learners also confuse opposite with in front of (same-side front).
Across from is very close in meaning and common in American English; opposite often feels more directly facing.
In front of is on the same side, in the front position. Opposite is on the other side across a space.
Across often highlights crossing from one side to the other. Opposite is usually a static position: on the other side.
Quick check questions (decision tree)
Do you mean on the other side (across a space), facing directly?
Yes -> use opposite (or across from).
Is it face-to-face seating/position across a table or room?
Yes -> opposite fits well (She sat opposite me).
Do you actually mean same-side front position (not across)?
Yes -> use in front of, not opposite.
Is it about crossing to the other side (movement)?
Yes -> across is usually the better choice; opposite is mostly static position.
Common collocations
Places opposite
Face-to-face (people/seats)
Across a room
Common mistakes
Avoid: The cafe is opposite to the school.
Use: The cafe is opposite the school.
Reason: As a beginner pattern, use opposite + noun phrase (no to).
Avoid: The bank is in front of the school. (meaning: on the other side)
Use: The bank is opposite the school.
Reason: In front of is same-side front; opposite/across from is across a space.
Avoid: She walked opposite the street.
Use: She walked across the street.
Reason: Opposite is mostly position; across is for crossing movement.
Mini quiz
Question 1
Choose the correct preposition: She sat ___ me at the table.
Choose an answer
Question 2
Choose the correct preposition: The pharmacy is ___ the supermarket, on the other side of the street.
Choose an answer
Question 3
Choose the correct preposition: Their houses are ___ each other.
Choose an answer
Quick FAQ
What is the core meaning of opposite?+
Opposite means on the other side, often face-to-face across a space (sit opposite me).
Opposite vs across from?+
They are very close. Across from is very common in American English; opposite can feel more directly facing.
Opposite vs in front of?+
In front of is on the same side, in the front position. Opposite is across a space, on the other side.
Can opposite describe "across the street"?+
Yes. You can say opposite + place (opposite my house / opposite the bank). If you want to emphasize the street itself, across the street or across from is very common.
Do I need to say opposite to?+
For a beginner pattern, use opposite + noun phrase (opposite the school). Opposite to exists, but you do not need it first.
What does opposite each other mean?+
It means facing each other: They sat opposite each other.
Can opposite be other parts of speech?+
Yes: opposite sides (adjective) and the opposite of... (noun phrase). Those are not the preposition use.
A 30-second memory rule for opposite?+
Picture two people facing each other across a table. If it's face-to-face on the other side, think opposite/across from.