Words / B2

op-uh-ZISHUN/ˌɒpəˈzɪʃn/

Opposition is strong disagreement: face opposition, in opposition to. In UK politics the Opposition (often capitalised) is the main party not in government. Opponent is a person; opposition can be a group or the abstract noun. In speech, people against it / the other party is enough. Do not use opposition for a sports opponent in careful writing (say opponent), and do not confuse it with apposition (grammar).

Meaning

Strong disagreement; also the political parties not in government (the Opposition).

Examples

• “The bill faced strong opposition in the Lords.”
• “The bill ran into opposition in the Lords, not only in the press.”
• “After the election they sat in opposition for five years, which is the parliamentary sense.”

Good to know

opposition to; face opposition. UK politics: the Opposition. Person: opponent. Sport: opponent, not opposition, in careful prose.

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