Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Opposition has 9 different meanings across 1 category:
the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with
"he encountered a general feeling of resistance from many citizens"
"despite opposition from the newspapers he went ahead"
the relation between opposed entities
"The opposition between light and dark creates a striking visual contrast in the photograph."
the act of hostile groups opposing each other
"the government was not ready for a confrontation with the unions"
"the invaders encountered stiff opposition"
a contestant that you are matched against
"In the final round of the debate tournament, my strongest opposition was a sophomore who knew every fact inside out."
a body of people united in opposing something
"The local opposition organized a rally to protest the new zoning laws."
a direction opposite to another
"The captain ordered the ship to steer toward the north, directly into the strong wind from their opposition."
an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)
"a soldier must be prepared to kill his enemies"
the major political party opposed to the party in office and prepared to replace it if elected
"Her Majesty's loyal opposition"
The action of opposing or of being in conflict.
"The sudden opposition from the local council delayed our project approval for several weeks."
In plain English: Opposition is when someone argues against or disagrees with another person's plan or idea.
"The political opposition voted against the new law yesterday."
Usage: Use opposition to describe the act of resisting someone or something, such as facing strong resistance during a protest or encountering political pushback. It refers specifically to the conflict itself rather than the people who are fighting against you.
The word "opposition" entered English via Middle English and Old French, ultimately tracing back to the Late Latin oppositiō. It derives from a root meaning "to set against," reflecting its original sense of placing something in direct contrast or resistance.