# as opposed to

idiom · CEFR C1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/as-opposed-to
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

you use this to show a clear difference between two things or to say you prefer one over the other.

## Examples

- I want tea as opposed to coffee today.
- We should focus on long-term growth as opposed to quick profits for this project.
- The candidate emphasized his extensive experience in public policy as opposed to his opponent, who focused primarily on private sector achievements.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.