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oppose
/əˈpoʊz/
to resist or contradict
The senator opposed the new tax bill.
The senator was against the new tax bill and tried to prevent it from passing.
general
To actively resist or contradict someone or something, often through argument or action.
Many citizens opposed the government's decision to cut funding for public schools.
Many citizens were against the government's decision and tried to change it.
She opposed her parents' choice of college for her.
She disagreed with her parents' decision and tried to convince them otherwise.
The verb 'oppose' is often used in formal or political contexts, but it can also be used in everyday situations.
Collocations
oppose stronglyto strongly resist or contradictoppose violentlyto resist with force or aggressionoppose fiercelyto resist with strong determination
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Use
'Oppose' is often used in formal or political contexts, but it can also be used in everyday situations. In informal contexts, you might use synonyms like 'disagree' or 'resist.'
Gold Rule
Preposition Use
'Oppose' can be followed by a direct object (e.g., 'oppose a proposal') or a prepositional phrase (e.g., 'oppose to a decision'). However, in modern usage, 'oppose' is often followed directly by the object without 'to' (e.g., 'oppose the decision').
Word Origin
From Middle English 'opposen,' from Old French 'opposer,' from Latin 'opponere,' meaning 'to set against.'
Usage Notes
The verb 'oppose' is often used in formal or political contexts, but it can also be used in everyday situations. It can be followed by a direct object (e.g., 'oppose a proposal') or a prepositional phrase (e.g., 'oppose to a decision').
Word Breakdown
op-
against
prefix-pose
to place or set
rootEnglish Dictionary