Future's opposite NYT

The crossword clue "Future's opposite" with the answer "PAST" refers to the concept of time that contrasts directly with the future. In the context of time, "PAST" represents everything that has already occurred, while "FUTURE" denotes events that are yet to happen.

The answer "PAST" captures this idea perfectly, as it is the term used to describe the time period preceding the present moment. In everyday language, when discussing what has already happened, we refer to it as the past, making "PAST" the logical opposite of the future in terms of temporal orientation.

The crossword clue "Future's opposite" with the answer "PRESENT" refers to the concept of time. In this context, "PRESENT" is used as a noun and verb meaning the current moment or now, which contrasts with "future," the time yet to come. In other words, if the "future" refers to what is ahead of us, the "present" is the time we are currently experiencing.

The word "present" also implies the immediate moment, thus serving as the direct opposite of the future, which lies beyond the present. This clue cleverly uses the dual meaning of "present" to fit the definition of being opposite to the future in a temporal sense.

The crossword clue "Future's opposite" with the answer "HISTORY" refers to the concept of time in which "history" represents what has already happened, as opposed to the "future," which pertains to what is yet to come.

In this context, "history" is the term used to describe events and experiences that have occurred in the past, making it the direct opposite of the future. While the future is focused on forthcoming events and possibilities, history encompasses all that has already taken place, thereby providing a contrast to the concept of what lies ahead.

The crossword clue "Future's opposite" with the answer "FORMER" refers to the distinction between past and future in terms of position or status. "Former" is used to describe something or someone from an earlier time or previous state, which is in contrast to "latter," representing something or someone from a more recent time or current state.

In this clue, "FORMER" serves as the opposite of future because it signifies something that is no longer in the present or upcoming, but rather, part of the past. Thus, while the future pertains to what is yet to come, "FORMER" relates to what has already occurred.