opuesto

Opuesto is a Spanish term that functions as both adjective and noun, meaning "opposite" or "opposed." It is used to indicate something that lies on the other side relative to another thing, or something that is contrary in nature, position, or stance. The word can describe physical space, as in el lado opuesto (the opposite side), or ideas and qualities, as in dos opiniones opuestas (two opposing opinions). When followed by a or en, as in opuesto a, it introduces a stance or comparison, for example estar opuesto a una propuesta (to be opposed to a proposal). As a noun, el opuesto or la opuesta can refer to the opposite person or thing, and is common in mathematical contexts as well.

Etymology and forms: opuesto derives from Latin oppositus, a participle of opponere, meaning to place against. The masculine form is opuesto, the feminine opuesta, with plural opuestos and opuestas. In everyday speech, the word often interacts with synonyms such as contrario or inverso, depending on context.

Mathematical usage: in mathematics, el opuesto de un número is its additive inverse, the number that, when added to the original, yields zero. For example, the opposite of 5 is −5, and 5 + (−5) = 0; similarly, the opposite of 0 is 0. In geometry and everyday language, opuesto also appears in phrases about opposite sides or directions, such as lados opuestos de un rectángulo or obtener una dirección opuesta.

Overall, opuesto is a versatile term central to expressing negation, contrast, and spatial or logical opposition in Spanish.