Reading Theme:
Opposition: Definition, Examples & Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：political opposition (opposition)
opposition
/ˌɑː.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/
n.
the people or group who disagree with and compete against another, especially in politics.
political opposition
➕
/pəˈlɪtɪkəl ˌɑː.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/
n.
The group or party that is not in power and actively challenges the ruling government, especially in a parliamentary system.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'opponere' (ob- 'against' + ponere 'to place') + suffix -ition.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine two teams in opposite positions on a field – they oppose each other's stance.
📖 Example
The leader of the opposition criticized the government's new education policy in a televised debate.
The leader of the opposition criticized the government's new education policy in a televised debate.
🔗 Collocations
face opposition – to encounter resistance or disagreement
in opposition to – contrary to or against
lead the opposition – to be the head of the opposing party
🔄 Synonyms
resistance (n.) – the refusal to accept or comply with something
dissent (n.) – the expression of opinions that differ from those officially held
antagonism (n.) – active hostility or opposition
🚫 Antonyms
agreement (n.) – harmony or accordance in opinion
support (n.) – giving assistance or approval
cooperation (n.) – working together towards a common goal
🌱 Derivatives
oppose (v.) – to be against something
opposite (adj.) – completely different
oppositional (adj.) – characterized by opposition
📖 Cultural Story
In British parliamentary system, 'the Opposition' refers to the largest party not in government. The concept originated in the 18th century as 'His Majesty's Opposition', emphasizing loyalty while allowing dissent.
Meaning 2：disagreement or resistance (opposition)
opposition
/ˌɑː.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/
n.
disagreement or disapproval of something, or the act of trying to stop it.
disagreement or resistance
➕
/ˌdɪs.əˈɡriː.mənt ɔːr rɪˈzɪs.təns/
n.
A strong feeling or act of disagreeing with something and trying to stop it from happening.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
There was a lot of opposition from parents to the school's plan to cancel the arts program.
There was a lot of opposition from parents to the school's plan to cancel the arts program.
🔗 Collocations
strong opposition – intense disagreement or resistance
voice opposition – to express disagreement openly
meet with opposition – to encounter resistance
🔄 Synonyms
objection (n.) – an expression of disapproval or opposition
resistance (n.) – the act of withstanding or opposing
hostility (n.) – unfriendly or antagonistic feelings
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
oppose (v.) – to be against
oppositional (adj.) – relating to opposition
opponent (n.) – a person who opposes someone or something
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