Opposition
ˌɒpəˈzɪʃən
Definitions
3 meaningsThe action of opposing someone or something; resistance or dissent. A group of people who oppose a political party or government.
ˌɒpəˈzɪʃən
The act of opposing or resisting; antagonism.
The opposition to the new law was widespread.
💡 Simply: Opposition is like when you're arguing about something. It's the side that disagrees with the other side, like when your friend wants to play video games, but you want to play outside. It's the 'no' to the 'yes'!
👶 For kids: When people or things are against each other.
More Examples
The company faced strong opposition from environmental groups.
The senator's speech was met with considerable opposition.
How It's Used
"The opposition party criticized the government's new policies."
"She presented a strong opposition to the proposed changes."
"The team faced tough opposition in the championship game."
A person or group of people who are against someone or something.
ˌɒpəˈzɪʃən
The opposition party debated the ruling party on the new tax proposals.
💡 Simply: It's like when you and your friends are on different teams in a game, and you're trying to win against the opposition! It's the 'other team'.
👶 For kids: People or a group who are against someone or something.
More Examples
The project faced strong opposition from local residents.
The opposition forces launched a counterattack.
How It's Used
"The opposition in parliament is responsible for scrutinizing the government."
"The proposal faced opposition from various stakeholders."
A state or instance of being positioned on the opposite side; antagonism.
ˌɒpəˈzɪʃən
A state of being directly across from something else.
The planets were in opposition, making them easily visible.
💡 Simply: Imagine two planets in space, lined up with Earth in the middle. That is opposition in terms of location.
👶 For kids: When something is on the exact opposite side.
More Examples
The opposition of colors created a striking contrast in the artwork.
The positioning of the two buildings was a stark opposition.
How It's Used
"Mars is in opposition when it is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun."
"The placement of the items created an opposition of color and shape."
Synonyms
Disagreement
Dissent
Objection
Adversary
Competitor
Opponent
Contrast
Idioms & expressions
in opposition to
Against; in disagreement with.
"The activist group marched in opposition to the new law."
the loyal opposition
In politics, the main party opposed to the government, but which accepts the legitimacy of the existing government.
"In a parliamentary system, the loyal opposition plays a critical role in scrutinizing government actions."
From Middle French opposition, from Latin oppositio ('a placing against, an opposing'), from oppositus, past participle of opponere ('to set against, oppose').
The term has been used for centuries in political and philosophical contexts, reflecting the enduring human tendency towards conflict and disagreement, as well as the essential role of dissent in democratic societies.
Memory tip
Think of a political debate where sides take opposite positions.