opposed

American  

[uh-pohzd] / əˈpoʊzd /

adjective

1. hostile or resistant (usually followed byto ).

   At a town hall meeting about the proposed desalination plant, most speakers were opposed, citing high costs and the effect on marine life.

   Some educators are opposed to bringing new media tools into classes, viewing them as a potential distraction for students.

2. having contrary effects; operating at cross-purposes.

   How do we interpret these seemingly opposed trends—away from organized religion and toward the formation of strong spiritual beliefs?

3. set against or contrasted with something else or with each other; viewed as contrary or competing.

   The opposed images on the book’s title page represent the two very different understandings of “home” featured in the narrative.

4. situated, existing, or growing in opposite directions.

   There are two diametrically opposed arrows on the signpost, and we have no idea which one to follow.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of oppose.

idioms

1. as opposed to, in contrast to; rather than.

   The new boss is intuitive as opposed to analytical, and conflict-shy as opposed to aggressive.

Other Word Forms

• preopposed adjective
• quasi-opposed adjective
• unopposed adjective

Etymology

Origin of opposed

First recorded in 1450–1500; oppose ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Other officials opposed December’s rate cut, expressing concern that the Fed’s efforts to get inflation back to the 2% target had stalled this year, the minutes said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Landlords and developers opposed the changes, saying they would make it yet harder to keep up with rising costs and attract new investment.

From The Wall Street Journal

More signs opposed to the new development followed.

From BBC

They now appear to form the majority of Russia's new recruits, as opposed to professional soldiers who joined the army before the invasion or those mobilised for military service afterwards.

From BBC

Unlike many other musical artists who have achieved billionaire status, Beyoncé’s wealth is more tied to her actual music as opposed to outside investments or projects.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• anti
• antithetical
• averse
• disputed
• hostile
• inimical
• opposing