opposed
opposed Lexical Profile
opposed Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Disagreeing strongly with or actively resisting a particular plan, policy, or course of action.
"Many local residents remain firmly opposed to the construction of a new highway through the valley."
Fundamentally different, conflicting, or placed directly opposite in position, nature, or direction.
"The two scholars held diametrically opposed views on the origins of the ancient manuscript."
Word Nuance & Usage
When expressing disagreement or disapproval, 'opposed' is almost exclusively used predicatively and followed by the preposition 'to' (e.g., 'strongly opposed to the plan'). The fixed phrase 'as opposed to' functions as a complex preposition meaning 'in contrast with' or 'rather than'.
• Rhymes for opposed
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the past participle of the verb 'oppose', which entered Middle English via Old French 'opposer', ultimately from Latin 'opponere' ('to set against'), combining 'ob-' ('against') and 'ponere' ('to put or place').