1)

To go in a completely contrary position, direction, order, sequence, timing, etc... - as in movement.

2)

Completely contrary or opposing - as in definition, strategy, idea, concept, theory, or principle.

3)

The back side of anything.

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.

In regards to physical motion - 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 Once deviation from a common line, plane, or circle occurs, opposite may still hold true, but reverse is no longer applicable.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.

In regards to conceptual matters - 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.

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.

1)

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 moves

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

In physical terms an opposite can be thought of as a polar antithesis.

2)

See reverse comments for more insight into this area.

3)

This term is commonly used interchangeably with back and rear.

Example(s):

1)

Left / Right - Up / Down - In / Out - Back / Forward

2)

Known / Unknown - Effective / Ineffective - Practitioner / Opponent

Synonym(s):

1)

Reverse

2)

Antonym, Contrary, Reverse

3)

Back, Rear

Opposite(s):

Identical, Same

Related Definition(s):

1)

Bounce, Cock, Diagonal, Ricochet, Switch

2)

Motion

Related Term(s):

1)

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

2)

Point of View