oppose

Oppose is a verb meaning to actively resist, disagree with, or place something in opposition to another. It can describe a physical stance in conflict or a stance in argument, such as opposing a proposal, policy, or claim, or offering counterarguments in a debate.

Etymology: The word derives from Latin opponere, meaning to place against, via Old French opposer and later English usage. The present form appears in English with standard verb inflections, and the related noun opposition refers to the act or state of opposing or to a group that opposes.

Forms and usage: Oppose is transitive and takes a direct object, as in “to oppose a bill.” Its principal forms are oppose, opposed, and opposing. It is also used in the phrase “opposed to” to describe a stance, as in “opposed to capital punishment.”

Contexts: In politics, opposition groups oppose government policies; in law, a party may oppose a motion; in science or public discourse, researchers or commentators may oppose a theory, often with reasons or evidence. In everyday language, to oppose a view is to challenge its premises or implications.

Synonyms and antonyms: Common synonyms include resist, contest, dispute, and counter. Antonyms include support, back, endorse, approve, and embrace.

See also: Opposition, counterargument, resist. Oppose is a versatile term used to describe disagreement, resistance, or the act of presenting an opposing stance across many domains.