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Meaning & use

opposed

adjective, phrase·Everyday

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UK/əˈpəʊzd/
US/əˈpoʊzd/

Meanings

  1. adjectiveafter a verb

    Strongly against an idea, plan or action.

    Grammar: Comes after 'be' and takes 'to': she is opposed to the plan.

    Patterns

    • be opposed to something
    • be opposed to doing something

    Most residents are opposed to the new highway.

    He has always been opposed to testing on animals.

    I'm not opposed to waiting if you need more time.

  2. adjectivebefore a nounformal

    Completely different or in conflict with each other.

    Grammar: Used about two things being contrasted: opposed views.

    Patterns

    • opposed views
    • diametrically opposed

    The two leaders hold diametrically opposed views on taxes.

    Their opposed styles made the partnership difficult.

  3. phrasefixed phrase

    As opposed to: in contrast with something just mentioned.

    Grammar: Used to separate two items: tea as opposed to coffee.

    Patterns

    • X as opposed to Y

    I prefer walking to work, as opposed to driving.

    The cost per person, as opposed to the total, is quite low.

Common combinations

opposed to
Many voters are opposed to higher taxes.
strongly opposed
The union was strongly opposed to the layoffs.
vehemently opposed
She was vehemently opposed to moving abroad.
as opposed to
We need action, as opposed to more talk.
diametrically opposed
Their goals are diametrically opposed.

Synonyms and how they differ

against
Against is simpler and works as a preposition, but you can't say 'opposed against'.
hostile
Hostile adds anger or unfriendliness, whereas opposed may only be a calm disagreement.
resistant
Resistant stresses refusing to change, not necessarily disagreeing in principle.
averse
Averse is more formal and describes a feeling of dislike, usually in 'not averse to'.

Opposites

in favorsupportive

Word family

oppose verb
to disagree with and try to stop
opposition noun
strong disagreement, or the party against the government
opponent noun
a person who competes against or disagrees with another
opposing adjective
on the other side or conflicting

Commonly confused: opposed or supposed? opposed or opposite?

opposed vs supposed

Supposed looks similar but means expected or believed, as in 'supposed to arrive', and has a different meaning.

opposed vs opposite

Opposite describes position or contrast, and 'opposed to' does not become 'opposite to' when you mean disagreement.

Practice

Choose the correct preposition: 'Many teachers are opposed ____ the new rule.'

Make it your own

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