opposition
opposition
Pronunciation
Here's the IPA phonetic spelling for "opposition" with a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
** oposición (US English):**
op /ɑː/ (long "ah" sound as in "father")
po /pə/ (unstressed "uh" sound followed by a "p")
si /ˈzɪ/ (stressed "z" sound followed by short "i" sound)
tion /ʃən/ (sh sound followed by "uh" and "n")
ˌɒp.əˈzɪʃ.ən (British English):
op /ɒp/ (short "o" sound)
po /ə/ (schwa sound, a neutral vowel sound)
si /ˈzɪ/ (stressed "z" sound followed by short "i" sound)
tion /ʃən/ (sh sound followed by "uh" and "n")
Word Form Variations
"Opposition" itself has no variation for singular or plural. It functions as both a singular and plural noun.
However, there are some related word forms derived from "opposition":
Derived forms:
oppose (verb): to be against something
opposed (adjective): being against something
opposer (noun): someone who opposes something
oppositional (adjective): showing or expressing opposition
oppositionless (adjective): lacking opposition (less common)
These derived words change depending on their function in the sentence (e.g., oppose - present tense, opposed - past participle).
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Definition:
Active resistance or disagreement with someone or something. (e.g., There was strong opposition to the new law.)
A person or group of people who actively resist or disagree with someone or something. (e.g., The environmental group became a vocal opposition to the development project.)
(Politics) The main political party or group that is not in power and seeks to replace the current government. (e.g., In the upcoming elections, the opposition party is focusing on economic issues.)
Synonyms: Resistance, disagreement, dissent, disapproval, objection, adversary, rival, competitor (political)
Antonyms: Support, agreement, approval, endorsement, proponent (political)
Verb (derived word - oppose):
Definition: To be against something or someone; to resist or disagree with them.
Synonyms: Disapprove, object to, challenge, contest, fight against
Antonyms: Support, agree with, endorse, back
Adjective (derived word - opposed):
Definition: 1. Being against something or someone; in disagreement. (e.g., She was firmly opposed to the idea.) 2. Located on the opposite side. (e.g., The two teams lined up in opposed positions on the field.) (Less common usage)
Synonyms (for meaning 1): Contrary, against, dissenting, disapproving, objecting
Antonyms (for meaning 1): In favor of, supportive, agreeing
Other derived words:
Opposer (noun): Someone who opposes something. (e.g., The mayor faced fierce opposition from local land developers.)
Oppositional (adjective): Showing or expressing opposition. (e.g., Her oppositional attitude made it difficult to work with her.)
Oppositionless (adjective): Having no opposition. (Less common usage) (e.g., The candidate ran unopposed in the election.)
Examples of Use
Noun:
Book: "The heroine faced constant opposition from her evil stepmother who tried to prevent her from inheriting the throne." (Example: Cinderella by any author)
Newspaper: "The government's plan for tax cuts faces strong opposition from the opposition party, who argue it will benefit the wealthy unfairly." (Example: The New York Times, June 2024)
Online Publication: "A growing online opposition movement is calling for stricter regulations on social media companies." (Example: The Guardian website)
Entertainment (Movie): In the movie "Star Wars," the Rebel Alliance serves as the opposition to the oppressive Galactic Empire.
Entertainment (TV Show): On a cooking competition show, the remaining contestants form an opposition to the frontrunner, hoping to dethrone them.
Public Discourse: "The community expressed strong opposition to the proposed construction of a new highway through the local park." (Example: Local town hall meeting)
Verb (derived word - oppose):
Book: "He vehemently opposed the king's decision to go to war." (Example: Les Misérables by Victor Hugo)
Newspaper: "Environmental groups are actively opposing the construction of a new oil pipeline." (Example: BBC News website)
Adjective (derived word - opposed):
Book: "The two kingdoms remained opposed for centuries, constantly engaged in border skirmishes." (Example: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien)
Newspaper Headline: "Voters Deeply Divided on Proposed Gun Control Legislation" (Example: Any major news outlet)
Derived Words:
Opposer (noun): "A vocal opposer of the death penalty spoke at the rally." (Example: News report)
Oppositional (adjective): "The child's oppositional behaviour made it difficult for him to follow instructions at school." (Example: Educational psychology textbook)
Oppositionless (adjective): "The long-term incumbent mayor ran unopposed in the election." (Example: Local news report)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Opposition
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke (implied opposition to evil)
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill (opposition to failure)
"A kite rises against the wind, not with it." - Chinese Proverb (opposition as a source of strength)
"No Government can be long secure without a formidable Opposition." - Walter Lippmann (importance of opposition in a democracy)
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." - Albert Einstein (opposition faced by those who challenge the status quo)
"The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off." - Gloria Steinem (opposition to be expected when fighting for truth)
"The best way to overcome an enemy is to make him a friend." - Abraham Lincoln (overcoming opposition through understanding)
"Underneath the rough exterior of a fighter lies the soft heart of a poet." - Ernest Hemingway (internal opposition between strength and sensitivity)
"The revolution is not a single act, it is a process." - Amilcar Cabral (opposition as a long-term struggle)
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu (opposition encountered at the beginning of any endeavour)
Etymology
The word "opposition" isn't from one single source, but a mix of two languages! Imagine English borrowing words from its neighbours.
Middle English (around 1390s): This is the first time we see "opposition" being used, thanks to writer Geoffrey Chaucer. Back then, it likely came from borrowing the French word "opposition."
Latin connection: The French word itself has roots in Latin. In Latin, there was a word "oppositio" which meant "the act of placing something opposite."
So, "opposition" started with the idea of things being physically opposite, and then it grew to include things being against or disagreeing with each other.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Opposition
In opposition to: This is a common prepositional phrase meaning "against" or "disagreeing with." (e.g., The scientist spoke in opposition to the theory.)
Meet with opposition: This means to encounter resistance or disagreement. (e.g., The proposal met with strong opposition from the community.)
The Leader of the Opposition: (often used in British politics) This refers to the leader of the main political party that is not currently in power.
Formidable opposition: This describes strong and difficult opposition to overcome. (e.g., The athlete faced formidable opposition in the championship race.)
Loyal opposition: This is a more formal term used to describe the opposition party in a democratic system, acknowledging their role in holding the government accountable.
Be in opposition: This simply means to be someone or something that opposes something else. (e.g., The two companies were in opposition over the patent rights.)
Run unopposed: This describes a situation where a candidate for an election has no competitors. (e.g., The mayor ran unopposed for a second term.)
Stiff opposition: This means strong and challenging opposition. (e.g., The boxer faced stiff opposition from the defending champion.)
Vanquish the opposition: This means to decisively defeat one's opponents. (e.g., The chess player vanquished the opposition in the tournament.)
Take a stand against: This is a broader phrase that can include opposition, but doesn't necessarily require it. It means to publicly declare your disapproval of something. (e.g., The students took a stand against the dress code.)
Posts Related to Opposition
Source Information
Definition of opposition from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
