Opposing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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?

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'opposing'

Main points about word origin

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.

The word 'opposing' originated from the Old French word 'opposer', which means to set in opposition. It has been used in the English language since the late 14th century. The concept of opposition or being in conflict with something has been a fundamental aspect of human interactions throughout history, leading to the development and usage of the word 'opposing' in various contexts.

See also: oppose, opposed, opposer, opposite, opposition, unopposed.

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.

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5348 missionary
5349 govern
5350 collar
5351 opposing
5352 admiration
5353 incentives
5354 torn
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