not opposed

Meaning

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Having no objection to something and willing to let it happen, though not necessarily enthusiastic about it.

   Grammar: Almost always followed by to: not opposed to the idea.

   Patterns

   • not opposed to something
   • not opposed to doing something

   I'm not opposed to moving, as long as the schools are good.

   The mayor is not opposed to the new bike lanes, but he wants a study first.

   Most residents were not opposed to the festival.

Common combinations

not opposed to the idea

My parents are not opposed to the idea of a gap year.

not entirely opposed

She was not entirely opposed to the change.

not opposed in principle

He is not opposed in principle, but the cost worries him.

not opposed to change

The board is not opposed to change if it is gradual.

not strongly opposed

The union was not strongly opposed to the offer.

Synonyms and how they differ

open to

Open to suggests real willingness to consider something, which is a little warmer than not opposed.

indifferent

Indifferent means having no strong feeling either way, while not opposed only says there is no objection.

amenable

Amenable is formal and means ready to agree or be persuaded.

in favor of

In favor of is stronger because it shows active support, not just acceptance.

Opposites

Word family

oppose verb

to disagree with or resist something

opposed adjective

against something, as in opposed to violence

opposition noun

strong disagreement or resistance

opponent noun

a person who competes or disagrees with another

Commonly confused: not opposed or opposite?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “not opposed”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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