Contrary to as in:

physical - position, direction, order, sequence, side, timing, etc.

conceptually - definition, strategy, idea, concept, theory, or principle

Inflected Form(s):

Opposites (plural)

Comments:

The terms reverse and opposite are generally very similar and can be, and often are, used interchangeably - but differ in subtle ways, depending upon the context in which each is used. As implied in the definitions, these terms, like a lot of terms, have both a physical and mental aspect to them.

Physically,

opposite can be thought of as a polar antithesis.

Opposite and reverse at times can be used interchangeably as long as the physical motion stays on the same line, plane, or circle. Once deviation from a common line, plane, or circle occurs, opposite may still hold true, but reverse is no longer applicable. See Reverse Motion and Return Motion for the best example of this concept.

The most common ways to think about opposite motion is:

•extreme ends of anything - as in hand / foot or left / right

•Delivery / Retraction - as in maneuvers

•Opposing directions - as in Close the Gap / Open the Gap

Conceptually,

one typically refers to opposing concepts or positions as opposites not reverses. For example, one would say the left is the opposite of the right, but not the reverse. Also, one typically refers to the antonym of a definition as the opposite, not the reverse.

See reverse comments for more insight into this area.

Therefore, reverse is typically limited to physical motion and physical motion on the same line, plane, or circle, but opposite can be used in regard to both physical and conceptual matters and is slightly more generic - but they cannot always be used interchangeably.

It is not always incorrect to refer to opposing concepts or positions as a reverse. It is just more common to refer to them as the opposite.

Example(s):

Physically,

left / right - up / down - in / out - backward / forward

Conceptually,

Known / Unknown - Effective / Ineffective - Practitioner / Opponent

Synonym(s):

Antonym, Back, Contrary, Rear, Reverse

Related Definition(s):

Bounce, Circle, Line, Move

Related Term(s):

Mirror Image, Opposite Motion, Point of View, Return Motion, Reverse Motion