B2adjective2K

Opposed

UK /["/əˈpəʊzd/"]/US /["/əˈpəʊzd/"]/

Definition

disagreeing strongly with something and trying to stop it

In simple words: Disagreeing with something or someone.

Examples

  • He was **strongly opposed** to modernism in art.
  • She remained bitterly opposed to the idea of moving abroad.
  • They are totally opposed to abortion.
  • the party most openly opposed to military rule
  • The majority of the population was either opposed or indifferent.
  • Our views are **diametrically opposed** on this issue.
  • The two sets of values seemed mutually opposed.
  • His actions seemed directly opposed to the values of the company.
  • 200 attended, as opposed to 300 the previous year.
  • This exercise develops suppleness as opposed to *(= rather than)* strength.

Usage notes

Use 'opposed' in discussions where there is disagreement or conflict. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in written English.

Grammar pattern

be opposed + to + object

Memory hint

Remember 'opposed' sounds like 'opposing teams'—think of two teams that don't agree.

Collocations

  • be
  • remain
  • adamantly
  • bitterly
  • deeply
  • be
  • seem
  • stand
  • completely
  • diametrically
  • directly
  • to

Synonyms

  • against
  • antagonistic
  • resistant
  • contrary
  • hostile

Antonyms

  • agree
  • support
  • favor

Common mistakes

  • Mixing up 'opposed' with 'oppose', which is the verb form.
  • Using 'opposed' without a clear object, e.g., 'He is opposed.' should be followed by 'to my proposal.'
  • Confusing 'opposed' with 'against', which has a slightly different nuance.