oppose

The word “oppose” means to disagree with or actively resist something. In plain terms, to stand against something — a plan, an idea, a person — because you disagree with it.

“Oppose” is pronounced uh-POHZ (/əˈpoʊz/ in IPA).

Here is “oppose” used in a sentence: “Several senators opposed the bill.”

Words with a similar meaning to “oppose” include be against, fight, check, bar, block and prevent.

The opposite of “oppose” — its antonyms — is support.

“Oppose” is a verb.

The word “oppose” comes from Latin. From Old French opposer, ultimately shaped by Latin ob- ("against") plus ponere ("to put"), replacing the earlier Latin verb opponere.

“Oppose” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

'Oppose' is a transitive verb that takes a direct object, as in they oppose the plan. 'Be opposed to' uses the preposition 'to' and often describes a settled stance, as in they are opposed to the plan; both express resistance, but the second sounds more like a fixed position.

To oppose something is to actively resist or work against it, often over time. To object is to state disagreement, usually at a specific moment; you object to something with the preposition 'to', whereas oppose takes a direct object without a preposition.

Both mean to work against something, but oppose emphasises disagreement and taking a stand, while resist emphasises withstanding or refusing to give in to pressure. You might oppose a policy in debate and resist an attempt to force it through.

'Oppose' normally takes no preposition, since it is transitive and directly followed by its object, as in oppose the decision. The preposition 'to' appears only with the adjective form, as in opposed to the decision.