How to spell opposite
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
opposite
O-P-P-O-S-I-T-E
The part to watch: from oppose, with a double p and o in the middle. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Opposite is related to oppose, so it has a double p and an o in the middle, even though that o sounds like "uh". It ends with a silent e.
Opposite is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with a smaller word behind it. Each of these words is built from, or related to, a smaller word you may already know. Find the smaller word and most of the spelling follows.
Common mistakes with opposite
- Wrong: opositeRight: opposite
- Wrong: oppositRight: opposite
- Wrong: oppisiteRight: opposite
A way to remember it
If you oppose someone, you stand on the opposite side. Both have pp and o.
Opposite in syllables
op · po · site
Opposite has 3 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
The opposite of hot is cold.
Opposite on the statutory list
Opposite is on the Year 3 and 4 statutory word list in the national curriculum for England. Children are taught these words in Years 3 and 4, when they are 7 to 9.
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with opposite, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a smaller word behind it
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as opposite.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell opposition?
Drop the e of opposite before -ion: opposition. The double p stays.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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