opposed

opposed — adjective

1. used to show that one thing, not another, is the real choice or point of compari

1.adjectiveC2
Definition

used to show that one thing, not another, is the real choice or point of comparison

Example

The cafe serves full meals, as opposed to coffee and cake only.

fixed phrase: as opposed to

Nina works from home, as opposed to driving to Taipei daily.

as opposed to + -ing form

Common collocations
  • as opposed to
  • as opposed to doing something
  • as opposed to only
  • as opposed to all
Synonyms
  • rather than

    is the closest everyday equivalent

  • instead of

    more directly suggests replacing one thing with another

  • unlike

    compares two things, but does not always present a choice

Grammar Patterns

as opposed to something

as opposed to doing something

as opposed to only ...

Usage Note

Fixed in the phrase 'as opposed to', especially in writing and careful speech. It marks contrast between two options and does not mean personal disagreement like adjective/2.

Common Mistakes

I chose tea as opposed coffee.
I chose tea as opposed to coffee.
the fixed phrase must include 'to'.

2. against a plan, rule, or change because you think it should not happen

2.adjectiveC1
Definition

against a plan, rule, or change because you think it should not happen

Example

Many parents were opposed to cutting art classes at the school.

be opposed to + change

The union remained opposed to longer shifts in the factory.

remain opposed to + proposal

Common collocations
  • strongly opposed to
  • firmly opposed to
  • opposed to the plan
  • opposed to change
  • remain opposed to
Synonyms
  • against

    is the simplest and most common everyday equivalent

  • hostile to

    sounds stronger and can suggest anger

  • resistant to

    often suggests unwillingness to accept change

  • objecting to

    focuses on speaking or arguing against something

Antonyms
  • supportive of

    shows approval and willingness to help

  • in favor of

    is common for officially backing an idea or plan

  • open to

    suggests willingness to consider the change

Grammar Patterns

be opposed to the plan

strongly opposed to change

remain opposed to something

Usage Note

Subject is usually a person, group, or institution, and the 'to' phrase usually names a proposal, rule, building project, or social change. Distinguish from adjective/3, which compares two things instead of showing resistance to one of them.

Common Mistakes

Many people were opposed with the new law.
Many people were opposed to the new law.
this adjective takes 'to', not 'with'.
I opposed to the plan.
I was opposed to the plan.' / 'I opposed the plan.
the adjective form needs a linking verb such as 'was'.

3. very different from another thing, so the two cannot easily fit together

3.adjectiveC1
Definition

very different from another thing, so the two cannot easily fit together

Example

The two reports reached opposed conclusions about the factory fire.

collocation: opposed conclusions

By noon, wind and tide were opposed, slowing the small fishing boat.

be opposed to forces moving differently

Common collocations
  • opposed views
  • opposed interests
  • opposed forces
  • opposed conclusions
  • opposed tastes
Synonyms
  • contrary

    is slightly more formal and often stresses a clear clash

  • conflicting

    stresses that the two sides cannot both work at once

  • different

    is broader and does not always suggest tension

  • contrasting

    often focuses on visible difference rather than conflict

Antonyms
  • similar

    means close in character or appearance

  • matching

    suggests the two sides fit or agree well

  • aligned

    stresses agreement in aim or direction

Grammar Patterns

be opposed to another idea

opposed views

opposed interests

Usage Note

Often used with nouns such as views, interests, forces, and traditions, or after be to compare two things. Distinguish from adjective/2, where a person or group actively rejects a plan or policy.

Common Mistakes

My ideas are opposed with yours.
My ideas are opposed to yours.
this sense normally takes 'to' before the thing compared.

4. placed on different sides so that the two things face one another

4.adjectiveC2
Definition

placed on different sides so that the two things face one another

Example

Two opposed doors stood open at the end of the narrow hall.

collocation: opposed doors

In the old church, opposed windows sent light across the floor.

collocation: opposed windows

Common collocations
  • opposed doors
  • opposed windows
  • opposed lines
  • opposed chairs
Synonyms
  • opposite

    is the usual everyday word

  • facing

    more directly describes looking toward each other

  • across from

    is common in spoken English for position

Antonyms
  • adjacent

    means next to each other rather than across

  • side-by-side

    places things beside each other, not facing

Grammar Patterns

opposed doors

opposed windows

opposed lines

Usage Note

Mostly used in formal descriptions of rooms, buildings, pictures, or dance positions. Distinguish from adjective/3, which is about contrast in ideas or qualities rather than physical position.

Idioms

as opposed to

idiom

Used to show that you are comparing two different things or choices.

Maya chose the blue dress, as opposed to the red one.

Do you prefer working in a team, as opposed to alone?

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/2

For adjective/2, opposed is a formal way to say that someone does not support a plan, rule, or change. Against is the simplest everyday choice and works in both speech and writing. Resistant is useful when the person or group does not want to accept change, even if they do not speak loudly about it. Objecting suggests active complaint or argument, often in meetings or public comments. Hostile is stronger than opposed and can suggest anger or open aggression. Compare: 'Many residents were opposed to the new tower' sounds formal and neutral, while 'Many residents were against the new tower' is more everyday. 'Some staff were resistant to the new schedule' suggests reluctance more than public protest.

against ↗resistant ↗objectinghostile ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • be opposed to

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Opposed comes from oppose, which entered English through Old French from Latin opponere, meaning 'to set against'. The adjective first described things placed against each other or facing each other, and later developed the more abstract senses of being different in nature or being against an idea or plan.