Opposing

əˈpəʊzɪŋ

adjectivemedium🔥Very CommonRelation
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Being in conflict; antagonistic or contrary.

əˈpəʊzɪŋ

adjectiveneutralmedium
Relation

Being in conflict with something else.

The opposing arguments in the debate were quite strong.

💡 Simply: It's like when two teams play against each other, or when you have different ideas about something. They're working against each other!

👶 For kids: When things are trying to stop or fight against each other.

More Examples

2

The two countries had opposing interests in the region.

3

The opposing forces met on the battlefield.

How It's Used

Politics

"The opposing political parties held different views on taxation."

Sports

"The opposing team was formidable, making the game very competitive."

2

Acting or expressing opposition or resistance to something.

əˈpəʊzɪŋ

verb, present participleneutralmedium
Action

Acting or expressing resistance or disagreement.

The protesters were opposing the construction of the new factory.

💡 Simply: Like you're not agreeing with something and you're saying no to it. It's like putting up a fight, but with words or actions!

👶 For kids: When you don't want something to happen or you disagree with it.

More Examples

2

She is opposing the new school policy.

3

The union is opposing the company's decision to cut wages.

How It's Used

Debate

"He was actively opposing the proposed legislation."

Social Issues

"She is opposing the new law."

Tip:Picture yourself actively resisting something, like the wind!

Idioms & expressions

opposing viewpoints

Different perspectives or opinions on a particular subject.

"The debate brought out the opposing viewpoints on the issue of climate change."

opposing forces

Two or more entities with conflicting objectives.

"The opposing forces clashed in a fierce battle."

From Middle English opposen, from Old French opposer, from Latin opponere ('to set against, oppose'), from ob- ('against') + ponere ('to place').

Used in legal and political contexts since the 15th century.

Memory tip

Imagine two forces pushing against each other. That's opposing!

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to place, to put"

opposing viewpointsopposing sidesopposing forcesopposing teamsopposing arguments

Common misspellings

oposingoposingoppossingoppozing

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written