English Reference
adjective · verb

opposed

adj. · v.
US /əˈpoʊzd/ UK /əpˈəʊzd/ op·posed

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.disagreeing strongly with something, such as a plan or a law.

    adj.actively resisting or disagreeing with a specific policy, action, or idea. Often used with the preposition 'to'.

    Simple

    Most of the local residents are opposed to the plan to build a new shopping mall.

    In context

    The board of directors remained firmly opposed to the merger, citing concerns over the long-term stability of the partner company.

    Usage

    Commonly follows the verb 'to be' and takes the preposition 'to'.

    Pitfall
    They are opposed against the new law. They are opposed to the new law.

    The adjective 'opposed' is followed by the preposition 'to', not 'against'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.being as different as possible from something else.

    adj.situated or moving in a direction or position that is diametrically different; contrasting in nature.

    Simple

    The two brothers have completely opposed views on how to spend money.

    In context

    The researchers reached entirely opposed conclusions despite analyzing the same set of raw data from the clinical trials.

    Usage

    Often used to describe abstract concepts like views, interests, or goals.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.the past tense of 'oppose', meaning you tried to stop something from happening.

    v.the past tense and past participle of the transitive verb 'oppose', indicating the act of competing against or resisting an entity.

    Simple

    The small army opposed the invasion for three weeks before retreating.

    In context

    Throughout his political career, he consistently opposed any legislation that threatened environmental protections.

On average, even MPs who support a climate policy think the public is more opposed to it than it really is," Tanase said.

Phys.org· 19 Aug 2026

Power over the people, as opposed to power of the people, is a dangerous thing.

Toronto Sun· 17 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated