What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
opposite
Example
The opposite of hot is cold. [opposite: noun]
Example
She sat opposite me at the table. [opposite: preposition]
Example
The store is located on the opposite side of the street. [opposite: adjective]
reverse
Example
The company experienced a reverse in profits this quarter. [reverse: noun]
Example
He put the car in reverse to back out of the parking spot. [reverse: adjective]
Example
Can you reverse the order of these numbers? [reverse: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Opposite is more common than reverse in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between opposite and reverse?
Reverse is more formal than opposite and is often used in technical or specialized contexts.
