ORTHOGONAL OPPOSITION Meaning and
Definition
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Orthogonal opposition refers to a concept often used in linguistics and semiotics that describes the relationship between two opposing concepts or terms that are mutually exclusive and exhaustive. In this context, "orthogonal" means "perpendicular" or "at a right angle," highlighting the idea that the concepts are completely distinct and independent from one another.
The concept of orthogonal opposition is typically represented in a binary or dichotomous system, where the two terms are placed at opposite ends of a spectrum, with no overlapping or intermediary states. Each term in the opposition carries unique semantic features that differentiate it from the other. For example, the classic orthogonal opposition in linguistics is that between "masculine" and "feminine," where the features associated with each term are completely contrasting and mutually exclusive.
This concept is also used in other disciplines like philosophy and social sciences to analyze and explain various phenomena. Orthogonal opposition allows for clear categorization and differentiation, enabling scholars to analyze and compare concepts effectively. It helps in understanding and defining phenomena by highlighting their distinctive features within a framework of binary opposition.
Notably, orthogonal opposition is not limited to language but can be applied to various domains, such as culture, politics, and religion. It provides a useful tool for classifying and understanding the complex relationships between concepts that are inherently oppositional and antithetical.
Common Misspellings for ORTHOGONAL OPPOSITION
- irthogonal opposition
- krthogonal opposition
- lrthogonal opposition
- prthogonal opposition
- 0rthogonal opposition
- 9rthogonal opposition
- oethogonal opposition
- odthogonal opposition
- ofthogonal opposition
- otthogonal opposition
- o5thogonal opposition
- o4thogonal opposition
- orrhogonal opposition
- orfhogonal opposition
- orghogonal opposition
- oryhogonal opposition
- or6hogonal opposition
- or5hogonal opposition
- ortgogonal opposition
Etymology of ORTHOGONAL OPPOSITION
The word "orthogonal" comes from the Greek word "orthogōnios", which means "right-angled" or "perpendicular". The term "orthogonal" is often used to describe lines or vectors that are at right angles to each other, forming a 90° angle. In mathematics and geometry, orthogonal vectors are fundamentally unrelated or independent.
The word "opposition" comes from the Latin word "oppositio", which is derived from the verb "opponere", meaning "to place against" or "to oppose". It refers to the act of contrasting or opposing something.
When the two words, "orthogonal" and "opposition", are combined, the term "orthogonal opposition" describes a relationship where two opposing or contrasting elements are unrelated or independent of each other, forming distinct and separate categories.
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