Opposition Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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opposition

[ˌɒpəˈzɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

politics

Resistance or dissent, expressed in action or argument.

Synonyms

antagonism, contradiction, protest, resistance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
opposition	Use this word when describing a general stance or position against something. It's common in political contexts or any scenario where there are sides or teams. The opposition party is gaining support among the voters. She faced strong opposition to her proposal in the meeting.
resistance	Use this word to describe the act of opposing or standing up against something, often in a passive or defensive manner. There was significant resistance to the new policy changes. The soldiers showed fierce resistance against the enemy forces.
contradiction	Use this word when highlighting a direct opposition between two statements, actions, or ideas, indicating inconsistency. His actions are in direct contradiction to his words. There was a contradiction in his testimony.
protest	This word is used when people actively express their objection or disapproval, often in a public manner. The students organized a protest against the tuition fee hike. They held a peaceful protest outside the government building.
antagonism	This word describes a deep-seated and active hostility between parties, often involving personal animosity. There was clear antagonism between the two rival companies. His constant antagonism made it difficult to work together.

Examples of usage

The party was in opposition to the government's proposed policy.
There was strong opposition to the new law among the public.
The opposition leader criticized the ruling party's decision.
The opposition to the war grew stronger as casualties mounted.
The opposition to the bill was evident in the heated debate.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sports

A competing team or individual in a sports event.

Synonyms

challenger, competitor, rival.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
opposition	Used to describe a group or individual who is against or competing against another, often in a political or formal setting. The opposition party proposed a new bill. The senator faced strong opposition during the debate.
rival	Refers to someone or something that competes with another; can be used in both casual and formal contexts. It often implies a sense of prolonged competition. The two schools have been rivals for decades. Apple and Samsung are considered major rivals in the smartphone market.
competitor	Used to describe someone who is competing against others in a business, sports, or other competitive environments. Our company is one of the main competitors in the tech industry. Every competitor gives their best in the Olympics.
challenger	Often refers to someone who is trying to take a position or title from someone else, particularly in sports or competitive situations. The boxing champion will face a formidable challenger next month. She was the main challenger in the race for the mayor's office.

Examples of usage

The home team will face tough opposition in the upcoming match.
The boxer is known for defeating strong opposition in the ring.
Our team needs to prepare well to overcome the opposition.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

general

The action of opposing or resisting something.

Synonyms

conflict, disagreement, rebellion, resistance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
opposition	Suitable when referring to a group or movement that is against an idea, plan, or person. Often used in political or competitive contexts. The opposition party criticized the new government policy. There was strong opposition to the construction of the new highway.
resistance	Generally used when describing an effort to prevent or fight against something. It can be used in various contexts, such as political, social movements, or even personal struggles. It can have negative connotations if viewed as obstructive. There was little resistance to the new management's changes. The resistance group fought bravely against the invaders.
conflict	Best used to describe a serious disagreement or argument, typically one that lasts for a while and has strong emotional intensity. Can refer to personal, social, political, or military disputes. The conflict between the two countries lasted for years. Their relationship was full of conflict and misunderstandings.
disagreement	Used to describe a situation where people have different opinions about something. Usually implies a milder form of conflict without strong emotional intensity. There was a disagreement among the team members about the new project plan. We had a minor disagreement over who would clean the kitchen.
rebellion	This term is appropriate when referring to an open fight against authority or established rules. It often implies a larger scale resistance, typically against a government or institution, and can have negative connotations depending on the perspective. The rebellion was quelled by the government forces. The students staged a rebellion against the new school policies.

Examples of usage

There was strong opposition to the construction of the new highway.
The opposition to the company's decision was widespread.
The opposition to change often comes from fear of the unknown.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Politics

Opposition parties are crucial in democratic systems, providing alternatives and checks to the ruling party's power.
Famous opposition leaders, like Nelson Mandela, have played pivotal roles in changing governmental policies and practices.

Science

In astronomy, opposition refers to when two celestial bodies, such as planets, are on opposite sides of the Earth, making them appear brighter.
The phenomenon of opposition can affect gravitational interactions, making certain orbits and distances more elaborate.

Psychology

Cognitive dissonance often arises in situations of opposition, where a person feels discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes.
Opposition can lead to stronger positions in debates, as individuals may harden their views when faced with contrary opinions.

Literature

Opposition is a common theme in literature, representing conflict between characters, ideas, or moral choices.
Classic stories, such as 'Romeo and Juliet', showcase opposition not just in personal relationships but also between families and social expectations.

Origin of 'opposition'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'oppositio', meaning 'to set against', which describes its core meaning of being in contrast.
It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally referring to physical opposition before expanding to ideas and beliefs.

The word 'opposition' originated from the Latin word 'opponere', which means 'to place against'. It has been used in various contexts throughout history, including politics, sports, and general discussions. The concept of opposition has played a significant role in shaping societies and influencing decision-making processes. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass not only resistance and dissent but also competition and rivalry. Understanding the dynamics of opposition is crucial in analyzing power structures and conflicts within different spheres of human interaction.

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

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,974, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1971 rendered
1972 intention
1973 caught
1974 opposition
1975 imposed
1976 aircraft
1977 tradition
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