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diametrical opposition

diametrical opposition

8.1
Complete disagreement between two things that are exact opposites
  • noun
  • /ˌdaɪəˈmɛtrɪkəl ˌɒpəˈzɪʃən/
translation icon : oposición diametral
  • The author also convincingly demonstrates the diametrical opposition between the concepts of man held by religion and by socialism.

Examples

  • Their views on education are in diametrical opposition; one advocates for traditional methods, while the other supports innovative techniques.

  • The two theories of evolution and creationism are often discussed as being in diametrical opposition to one another.

  • In so doing, they imagine themselves set in diametrical opposition to their society, when in fact they have unwittingly accepted its crucial structural elements.

    Academic text (1993)
  • They involve a diametrical opposition of stances, an opposition that involves no middle term.

    Academic text (1994)
  • This relation can be represented geometrically as diametrical opposition: a relation between two points on a circle through which a straight line passes if it also passes through the center of the circle.

    Academic text (2006)
  • "The author Shafarevich also convincingly demonstrates the diametrical opposition between the concepts of man held by religion and by socialism."

    Blog text (33)
  • At the same time, those who celebrate diversity make a grave mistake if they do not distinguish the complementarity of some horizons from the diametrical opposition of others.

    Academic text (1994)
  • In this context, I see an absolutely diametrical opposition between the life of killing and the overcoming of death through sacrifice within divine intervention—which I take to be a part of the covenant's promise.

    Blog text (31)
  • The political parties stood in diametrical opposition on the issue of climate change, reflecting their fundamentally different approaches.

Synonyms

opposition
vsdiametrical opposition
4 3.7

A direction that faces the other way from another point

emphasises complete direct contrast located at opposite ends of a diameter
antipodal opposition
vsdiametrical opposition
  • Specialized
9.9

A relation between two points directly opposite each other on a sphere or circle

is the common geometric phrase emphasising opposite ends of a diameter
mutual opposition
vsdiametrical opposition
7.7

A situation where two ideas, groups, or feelings are against each other

highlights exact spatial contrast at opposite ends of a diameter
polar opposition
vsdiametrical opposition
6.7

A clear contrast between two very different ends that shows points between them

expresses strict complete contrast between points opposite on a diameter

Antonyms

361 1.0

A situation in which people have the same opinion or give their approval

1 6.7

Agreement and peace among people or groups

How Opposed

diametrical opposition
8.1
antagonism
16 6.9
conflict
397 2.3
opposition
250 3.4
disagreement
268 1.6

Surface Forms

Morphology

diametrical + opposition

The meaning 'a complete or direct opposition' is directly derivable from combining 'diametrical' (at opposite extremes or along a diameter) with 'opposition' (being opposite). This adjective+noun composition follows straightforward compositional patterns and would be predictable to a B1 learner who already knows both constituent words.

Etymology

The phrase diametrical opposition comes from the image of a diameter, a straight line through the middle of a circle where the two ends are exactly opposite. So when things are in diametrical opposition, they are at opposite ends and therefore 'completely opposed', with no middle ground.