WordGarden.ioopposition
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɒpəzˈɪʃən/
US
- /ˌɑpəˈzɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
the political parties, groups, or public forces opposing those in power or a policy
resistance, disagreement, or objection to something
the opposing team, players, or side in a sporting contest
Beyond the definition
Opposition is not always loud or dramatic, though sometimes it is. It is the act of pushing back against something or not agreeing with it. That something could be an idea, a plan, a person, or a change that others want to make. You often hear about political opposition, where a party or group challenges the people in power. In games and sports, it can also mean the other side. Sometimes opposition is quiet, like a calm refusal or a different opinion that stands in the way.
Opposition means resistance, disagreement, or the presence of someone or something on the other side. It appears in politics, sports, personal relationships, public debate, and many everyday situations.
At its core, the word often describes people pushing back against something. In a sentence like "The bill faced strong opposition from environmental groups," it means those groups were against the bill and tried to stop it or change it. In personal life, you might hear, "Despite her parents' opposition, she chose a different career," which shows disapproval or resistance from other people.
In politics, "the opposition" often means the party or parties that are not in power. Their job is to question, challenge, and criticize the government. In sports, games, or competitions, the word can simply mean the other team, player, or side. If a coach says, "Today's opposition is very strong," they mean the team they are about to face.
The word can also describe a difference in ideas or a direct contrast. "There was opposition to the new rule" means some people did not support it. "The opposition between good and evil" uses the word in a broader sense to show two forces set against each other.
The word comes from the Latin opponere, meaning "to set against." That history matches its main uses today: resistance to something, a rival side, or a clear contrast between two things. Whenever one side pushes back, challenges, or stands against another, opposition is at work.
Examples
- 1
Public policy
Many residents expressed opposition to the new parking fees.
- 2
Local business
The plan faced strong opposition from local business owners.
- 3
Meeting vote
There was little opposition at the meeting, so the vote passed quickly.
- 4
Political proposal
The mayor's proposal met with fierce opposition.
- Patternmeet with opposition
receive resistance or a negative reaction
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Political parties
The opposition criticized the government's new budget.
- Domainthe opposition
the political parties or politicians not in power
- 6
Political status
After losing the election, the party spent four years in opposition.
- Domainin opposition
not part of the government
- 7
Political leaders
Several opposition leaders called for an independent investigation.
- 8
Personal choice
She took the job in opposition to her family's wishes.
- Patternin opposition to + person/idea
against that person or idea, often because you disagree
- 9
Abstract contrast
The article describes the opposition between tradition and change.
- Patternopposition between A and B
a contrast or conflict between them
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- oppositionnoun
Forms
- oppositionspluralnoun