opposable

/ə'pouzəbl/

Thân thiện

The child uses her opposable thumb to pick up a small block.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Capable of being placed opposite something else: This is the primary meaning, describing something that can be positioned directly across from or facing another part, especially in anatomy.
   • Capable of being opposed or resisted: A less common meaning, indicating that something can be objected to or contested.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The human thumb is opposable, allowing us to grasp objects precisely.
  • In the anatomy lab, we studied the opposable digits of primates.

Advanced Usage

• "opposable to": This phrase is used to specify what the subject can be placed opposite to.
  • The thumb is opposable to the other fingers, enabling a powerful grip.

Variants and Related Words

• Oppose (verb): To be against or resist something.
  • The senator decided to oppose the new bill.
• Opposition (noun): Resistance or the state of being opposite.
  • The plan met with strong opposition from the community.
• Opposite (adjective/adverb/noun): Directly facing or contrary.
  • They live on opposite sides of the street.

Synonyms

• Apposable: A technical synonym, especially in anatomical contexts, meaning capable of being placed opposite.
• Contraposable: Capable of being placed in opposition.

Antonyms

• Non-opposable: Not capable of being placed opposite.
  • In many animals, the digits are non-opposable.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. capable of being placed opposite to something
   • the thumb is opposable to the forefinger

Từ đồng nghĩa

• apposable