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Opposing: meaning, definitions and examples

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opposing

 

[əˈpoʊzɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

views

In conflict or competition with someone or something.

Synonyms

antagonistic, conflicting, contradictory, contrasting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
opposing

Used to describe two sides or views that are against each other, especially in a competitive or formal situation.

  • The opposing teams met in the final match
  • The two politicians held opposing views on the policy
contrasting

Used to describe things or ideas that are noticeably different when compared. This word is more neutral and often used in descriptive contexts.

  • The artist used contrasting colors to make the painting vibrant
  • Their personalities are contrasting, but they make a great team
conflicting

Used when describing ideas, statements, or feelings that cannot both be true or be in agreement simultaneously.

  • The witness gave conflicting statements about what happened
  • There are conflicting views on how the project should be executed
contradictory

Used to describe information, statements, or attributes that are directly opposed to each other or are in direct contradiction.

  • Her testimony was contradictory to the evidence
  • The data provided by different sources was contradictory
antagonistic

Used when describing active hostility or opposition. This term often carries a negative connotation.

  • Their relationship was antagonistic from the start
  • The dog was antagonistic towards the new cat

Examples of usage

  • They were opposing teams in the championship game.
  • The two politicians had opposing views on the issue.
  • The opposing sides could not reach a compromise.
Context #2 | Noun

politics

A member of the political party in opposition to the one in power.

Synonyms

adversary, challenger, opponent, rival.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
opposing

Used to describe something or someone that is directly opposite or conflicting with another in a broad sense, whether it's ideas, forces, or teams.

  • The opposing team scored a goal in the last minute.
  • There are opposing views on this matter.
opponent

Describes a person or group that competes against another in games, disputes, or competitions. It is a neutral term suitable for a wide range of contexts.

  • She defeated her opponent in the final round of the tournament.
  • During the debate, each participant argued against their opponent's points.
adversary

Refers to someone you are in conflict or competition with, often used in formal or serious situations, sometimes in a long-term battle.

  • The chess player finally defeated his long-time adversary.
  • In court, the lawyer faced a strong adversary.
rival

Implies a competitive relationship between two parties who strive to outdo or outperform each other, often suggesting ongoing or significant competition.

  • The two companies have been rivals in the tech industry for years.
  • They are old rivals from their college days, always trying to outshine each other.
challenger

Typically refers to someone who competes against another, especially in sports or competitions, aiming to overthrow the current leader or champion.

  • The young tennis challenger surprised everyone by reaching the finals.
  • The political candidate emerged as a strong challenger to the incumbent.

Examples of usage

  • The opposing party criticized the government's decision.
  • He was known as a strong opposing voice in the parliament.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'opposing' comes from the Latin term 'opponere,' which means 'to place against.'
  • In Middle English, the word evolved into 'oposen' before taking on the modern form we use today.
  • Its prefix 'op-' implies 'against,' while 'posing' relates to positioning, highlighting conflict.

Political Science

  • In any democratic system, opposing views are crucial for debates and policies, ensuring diverse opinions are heard.
  • Political parties often form in opposition to one another, with opposition parties holding the government accountable.
  • The term is often used in discussions about civil rights, where opposing forces can include government policies and grassroots movements.

Psychology

  • Cognitive dissonance occurs when someone holds opposing beliefs, leading to discomfort and motivation to change one of the beliefs.
  • Opposing viewpoints in a conversation can stimulate critical thinking and promote personal growth.
  • Research shows that exposure to opposing ideas can improve persuasive skills and help develop stronger arguments.

Philosophy

  • The concept of dialectics comes from exploring opposing ideas to arrive at new truths and understandings.
  • Many philosophical debates focus on opposing theories, illustrating the importance of disagreement in intellectual discourse.
  • Opposition is often seen in ethics, as competing moral principles clash in moral dilemmas.

Art and Literature

  • In storytelling, opposing forces drive conflict, making narratives compelling and engaging.
  • Many literary heroes are defined by their opposing adversaries, highlighting the struggle between good and evil.
  • Visual artists often explore opposing themes, such as light and dark, to create depth in their works.

Translations

Translations of the word "opposing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 oposto

🇮🇳 विरोधी

🇩🇪 entgegengesetzt

🇮🇩 bertentangan

🇺🇦 протилежний

🇵🇱 przeciwny

🇯🇵 反対の

🇫🇷 opposé

🇪🇸 opuesto

🇹🇷 karşıt

🇰🇷 반대의

🇸🇦 معارض

🇨🇿 protichůdný

🇸🇰 protichodný

🇨🇳 对立的

🇸🇮 nasprotujoč

🇮🇸 andstæður

🇰🇿 қарсы

🇬🇪 წინააღმდეგი

🇦🇿 qarşı

🇲🇽 opuesto

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,351 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.