Against: meaning, definitions and examples

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against

[əˈɡɛnst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Preposition}

in opposition to

In opposition to; contrary to; in contrast with or in defiance of. Used to indicate an action or feeling that is directed towards someone or something.

Synonyms

contrary to, in opposition to, opposed to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
against	Used to express opposition or resistance to something or someone. It can be used in both everyday and formal contexts. She voted against the new policy. He is against animal testing.
contrary to	Used to indicate that something is opposed to or different from something else, often used in more formal or written contexts. Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind. His actions are contrary to the company's policies.
opposed to	Used to convey a personal stance or feeling of disapproval or disagreement, appropriate for both spoken and written usage. I am opposed to the construction of the new factory. Many citizens are opposed to the tax increase.
in opposition to	A formal phrase used to express strong disagreement or resistance to something, often found in formal writing or speech. The senator spoke in opposition to the new law. They organized a march in opposition to the government's decision.

Examples of usage

I have nothing against him personally, but I disagree with his policies.
She competed against the best athletes in the world.
He stood firm against all the criticism.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a way that opposes or disagrees with something

In a way that opposes or disagrees with something. Used to indicate resistance or opposition to a particular action or idea.

Synonyms

contrarily, in opposition, oppositely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
against	Used to indicate opposition or resistance to something, often in a physical or competitive sense. It can also refer to being contrary to an idea or rule. She was against the new policy implemented by the company. The athlete competed against many others in the marathon.
oppositely	Used to describe something occurring or positioned in a way that is directly contrary or in an entirely different manner to something else. It is often used in a physical or comparative sense. The rooms were situated oppositely on the hallway. He answered oppositely, suggesting a completely different solution.
contrarily	Used to describe an action or opinion that is opposite or different from what was previously stated or expected. It often implies a deliberate contradiction. Contrarily to what everyone thought, he decided to quit his job. She spoke contrarily, disagreeing with every point he made.
in opposition	Typically used to describe a stance or position that actively resists or counters another. It often applies in formal or serious contexts, such as political or legal situations. The senator stood in opposition to the proposed law. The community group acted in opposition to the development project.

Examples of usage

She spoke out against injustice.
He argued against the proposed changes.
The students protested against the new school policy.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

a position or attitude of resistance or hostility

A position or attitude of resistance or hostility. Used to refer to a feeling or expression of opposition or disagreement.

Synonyms

opposition, protest, resistance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
against	Used when someone is in disagreement or conflict with someone or something. He is fighting against the new policy The team played against each other in the final match
opposition	Used when referring to a group or party that disagrees or stands against something, often in politics or debates. The opposition party criticized the new law There is strong opposition to the construction project
resistance	Used to describe efforts to block or withstand something, often in the context of physical or ideological conflicts. The resistance fighters held their ground There is resistance to change within the organization
protest	Used when people show their disagreement or disapproval publicly and actively, usually in social or political situations. Thousands gathered to protest the new immigration law She organized a protest against the company's unethical practices

Examples of usage

She took a stand against discrimination.
His actions were seen as a protest against the government.
The vote was split between for and against the proposal.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'against' comes from Old English 'on gēn', used to express opposition or resistance.
In Middle English, it evolved to 'agen', indicating a similar meaning but with a slightly different spelling.
The sense of action 'to oppose or counter' has been present since its earliest known usages.

Cultural Significance

'Against' appears in many famous phrases, like 'standing against injustice', capturing its strength in social movements.
Musical and literary works often play with the concept of 'against', exploring themes of rebellion and conflict.
Many sports slogans emphasize being 'against' the competition, motivating teams and fans alike.

Philosophical Context

Philosophers have discussed 'against' in terms of dialectics, viewing opposition as a necessary part of progress and understanding.
In ethics, being 'against' something can frame important discussions about moral choices and societal norms.
Existentialists might see 'against' as a reaction to ‘being’, emphasizing individual choice and opposition to societal rules.

Legal Usage

In legal terms, being 'against' someone can refer to opposition in court, where parties present evidence 'against' each other.
Lawsuits often have 'against' in their titles, indicating the plaintiff’s opposition to the defendant’s actions.
Legal definitions of 'against' can shape the interpretation of rights and responsibilities in various cases.

Psychological Perspective

Psychologically, being 'against' something can evoke feelings of resistance that can both motivate and hinder personal growth.
Cognitive dissonance often arises when people feel ‘against’ beliefs or actions, leading to internal conflict.
Group dynamics can be influenced by a sense of 'against'ness, as individuals align with or against collective attitudes and behaviors.

Translations

Translations of the word "against" in other languages:

🇵🇹 contra

🇮🇳 के खिलाफ

🇩🇪 gegen

🇮🇩 terhadap

melawan
menentang

🇺🇦 проти

🇵🇱 przeciw

🇯🇵 に対して

🇫🇷 contre

🇪🇸 contra

🇹🇷 karşı

🇰🇷 에 반대하여

🇸🇦 ضد

🇨🇿 proti

🇸🇰 proti

🇨🇳 反对

🇸🇮 proti

🇮🇸 gegn

🇰🇿 қарсы

🇬🇪 წინააღმდეგ

🇦🇿 əleyhinə

🇲🇽 contra

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #101, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

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98 great
99 system
100 how
101 against
102 state
103 right
104 water
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