Oppose: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：to go against (oppose)

oppose 🔊

/əˈpoʊz/

To disagree with something or someone and try to stop them or it.

Illustration of oppose meaning: person making a stop gesture in a meeting to show disagreement.

to go against 🔊

➕

/tuː ɡoʊ əˈɡenst/

To actively disagree with something or someone and attempt to prevent or stop it.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'opponere', meaning to place against (ob- 'against' + ponere 'to place').

💡 Mnemonic

Oppose sounds like 'a pose' – striking a stance against something.

📖 Example

Many students oppose the use of plastic bottles in school to protect the environment. 🔊 Many students are against the use of plastic bottles in school for environmental protection.

🔗 Collocations

oppose a bill – to be against a proposed law

strongly oppose – to disagree vehemently

oppose the idea – to reject a suggestion

🔄 Synonyms

resist (v.) – to withstand or fight against something

object (v.) – to express disagreement or disapproval

challenge (v.) – to dispute or question the validity of something

🚫 Antonyms

support (v.) – to be in favor of or back something

agree (v.) – to have the same opinion or consent

endorse (v.) – to approve or sanction officially

🌱 Derivatives

opposition (n.) – the act of opposing or the state of being opposed

opponent (n.) – a person who opposes or competes against another

opposing (adj.) – acting against or in contrast to something

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'opponere' (to set against). It is frequently used in political discourse, legal arguments, and social movements to express active disagreement.