ENGLISH
REFERENCE

opposition

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˌɑpəˈzɪʃən// UK //ˌɒpəzˈɪʃən// op·po·si·tion General-service

n. a strong feeling of disagreement with a plan, idea, or person. It can also mean the group of people who are fighting against the side in power, like in politics or sports.

n. the action of resisting or disagreeing with something; also refers to the collective group of people or parties competing against a dominant entity. Often used in political contexts to describe parties not in government.


SIMPLE

The new tax plan met with strong opposition from local businesses.

CONTEXTUAL

The leader of the opposition argued that the government's new policy would hurt working families.

COMPLEX

Despite fierce opposition from environmental groups and local residents, the council approved the construction of the new highway through the protected forest.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English opposicioun, from Old French oposicion (whence French opposition), from Late Latin oppositiō, translating Ancient Greek ἀντίθεσις (antíthesis), from the past participle stem of classical Latin oppōnō (“I set against”). Equivalent to oppose + -ition.

Usage

Often takes the preposition 'to' when describing resistance to an idea or plan.

Pitfall

their opposition against the plantheir opposition to the planWhile 'against' is logically sound, the standard collocation for this noun is 'opposition to'.

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