opposed
C1Neutral, used in formal, academic, business, and everyday contexts.
Definition
Meaning
Actively resisting, arguing against, or standing in contrast to something.
Can describe ideas, groups, or forces that are set in contrast or conflict with each other; also describes a personal stance of disagreement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as an adjective (in predicative position) or as the past participle of the verb 'oppose'. As an adjective, it emphasizes a state of active or inherent disagreement or contrast.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The primary difference lies in collocational preferences and minor spelling in verb forms ('opposed' vs. 'opposed').
Connotations
Similar in both varieties, though the phrase 'as opposed to' might be slightly more frequent in British English.
Frequency
Broadly similar frequency; the verb 'oppose' and its forms are core vocabulary in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be opposed to + NP/-ingbe opposed by + NPas opposed to + NP/-ingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “as opposed to”
- “opposed to the idea”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The board was opposed to the merger due to financial risks.'
Academic
'Kant's deontological ethics is fundamentally opposed to utilitarian consequentialism.'
Everyday
'I'm not opposed to getting a takeaway if you don't want to cook.'
Technical
'The two magnetic poles are diametrically opposed, creating a strong field.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The local council opposed the new development plans.
- She opposed the motion during the debate.
American English
- The senator opposed the bill on principle.
- They actively opposed the new regulations.
adjective
British English
- I'm not opposed to the idea, but we need more details.
- They are ideologically opposed to state intervention.
American English
- He's strongly opposed to any tax increase.
- The two groups are diametrically opposed on this issue.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I am opposed to eating meat.
- They are opposed to the new road.
- Many residents are opposed to the new supermarket.
- She was opposed by several members of the committee.
- The minister is fundamentally opposed to privatising the health service.
- We use qualitative methods, as opposed to quantitative ones.
- His deeply held pacifist beliefs meant he was vehemently opposed to the war.
- The theory posits two diametrically opposed forces governing the universe.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a POSSE (group) standing OPPOSITE someone – they are actively 'OPPOSED' to them.
Conceptual Metaphor
OPPOSITION IS A PHYSICAL BARRIER/FRONT ('stood opposed'); CONTRAST IS OPPOSITION ('as opposed to').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'противоположный' (opposite in position/sense) for physical placement; 'opposed' is about conflict/disagreement. 'Против' is a closer translation for 'against'. 'As opposed to' ≠ 'в противоположность чему-то', it means 'in contrast to'.
Common Mistakes
- *I am opposed against the plan. (Correct: opposed to) | *He is very opposed. (Needs context/complement: 'opposed to the change') | Confusing 'opposed' (adj.) with 'opposite' (adj./prep.)
Practice
Quiz
Which preposition correctly follows 'opposed' when indicating the object of opposition?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Opposed' means in active disagreement or conflict ('They are opposed to the law'). 'Opposite' primarily refers to position or being directly across from something, or being completely different in nature ('They sat on opposite sides of the table'; 'Hot is the opposite of cold').
Yes, but less commonly. It can be used when the object of opposition is clear from context ('The proposal was widely opposed'), or in the passive voice ('He was opposed by a strong candidate'). As a predicative adjective, it usually requires 'to'.
It is a phrase used to contrast two things, meaning 'in contrast to' or 'rather than'. It highlights a difference between alternatives ('We work on weekdays, as opposed to weekends').
It functions as both. It is the past tense and past participle of the verb 'to oppose'. It is also commonly used as a predicative adjective (e.g., 'I am opposed to that').