Oppositeness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The attribute of being in direct conflict or stark contrast is often observed when two entities fail to align in their characteristics or principles
2. The property of being diametrically different or contrary in nature or direction
3. A condition in which two things stand in complete contrast or opposition to each other

Etymology: "Oppositeness" is a plain English formation: the adjective "opposite" with the suffix "-ness," which turns an adjective into a noun naming a state or quality, as in "darkness" from "dark" or "kindness" from "kind." Adding it to "opposite" gives a noun for the condition of being opposite, the quality of standing in contrast to something else. "Opposite" itself came into English from Old French "opposit," from Latin "oppositus," the past participle of "opponere," meaning "to place against." The suffix "-ness" is Old English in origin, so the combined word is a blend of an inherited suffix with a borrowed base. Its meaning stays close to the root: where "opposite" describes things set facing each other, "oppositeness" names the abstract relation between them.

Synonyms: contrariness, antithesis, contradiction

Antonyms: similarity, agreement