imposition
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
The action of placing an unfair or unwelcome burden, duty, or obligation on someone.
The levying of a tax, duty, or charge; the act of imposing something, especially in an authoritative or intrusive way; something imposed, such as a burden or inconvenience; a task assigned as punishment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries negative connotations of unfairness, inconvenience, or overstepping bounds. Can be used for abstract burdens (e.g., time) or concrete ones (e.g., taxes).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Similar core meaning and usage. In religious/ecclesiastical contexts (e.g., imposition of hands), British usage may be slightly more common historically.
Connotations
Both varieties share the primary negative connotation of an unfair burden.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; slightly more formal/administrative in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
imposition of [something] (on/upon someone/something)imposition on someone/somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not common; more often appears in set phrases like 'an imposition on one's time/goodwill']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to new regulations, taxes, or compliance costs imposed on a company.
Academic
Used in law, political science, and sociology to discuss the enforcement of rules, norms, or colonial power.
Everyday
Describing an unreasonable request or inconvenience placed on someone's time or resources.
Technical
In printing: the arrangement of pages for folding; in taxation: the act of levying.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'Impose' is the related verb, as in: The council sought to impose a new congestion charge.
American English
- 'Impose' is the related verb, as in: The state legislature imposed a new sales tax.
adverb
British English
- N/A. The adverb 'imposingly' relates to 'imposing' (adjective), not 'imposition'.
American English
- N/A. No direct adverb form for the noun 'imposition'.
adjective
British English
- 'Imposing' (commanding presence) is related, but distinct in meaning.
American English
- 'Imposed' (e.g., an imposed structure) can be used adjectivally in technical contexts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Asking her to stay late felt like an imposition.
- The new parking fees were seen as an unfair imposition on residents.
- The sudden imposition of trade tariffs disrupted the entire supply chain.
- Scholars critique the colonial imposition of foreign legal systems on indigenous cultures.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'IMPOSE a condITION' -> IMPOSITION. Something imposed creates a condition of burden.
Conceptual Metaphor
BURDEN IS A WEIGHT / AUTHORITY IS ABOVE (imposing from above).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'налогообложение' – 'imposition' is broader. For 'обуза', consider 'burden' as a closer synonym in emotional contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'imposter'. Using it for positive obligations (e.g., *'It was a welcome imposition').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'imposition' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Overwhelmingly yes, it implies an unwelcome or unfair burden. Neutral uses are rare and typically technical (e.g., 'imposition of pages').
'Tax' is a specific type of financial charge. 'Imposition' is the broader act of placing any burden or obligation, which can include taxes, rules, duties, or even social inconveniences.
Yes, commonly so. E.g., 'The new regulations are just another in a series of impositions.'
No, the standard collocation is 'place an imposition on' or 'be an imposition'. The verb is 'impose'.
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