What is oppose? Pronunciation and usage in English

oppose means . Learn how to pronounce and use oppose through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of oppose

opposeverb

/əˈpəʊz/
Definition & pronunciation of oppose

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "oppose." Here's a breakdown of the sounds and how to put them together:

1. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

  • /ˈɑpəʊz/ (This is a simplified phonetic representation)

2. Breakdown by Sounds:

  • op: Pronounced like "op" in "open." It’s a short, unstressed "uh" sound.
  • pose: Pronounced like "poyz" (with a slight "oy" sound, similar to "boy"). The "e" is silent.

3. Putting it Together - Step-by-Step:

  1. "op": Say "op" quickly.
  2. "oyz": Say “oyz” following closely after the “op.” Think of it as blending the two sounds together smoothly.

4. Tips for Sounding Right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("op"). This means "op" should be a bit louder and more emphasized.
  • Vowel Sound: The "oy" sound is key. Many people find this sound a little tricky. Practice saying "boy" and "toy" to get a feel for it.
  • Smooth Transition: The key is to make the transition from "op" to "oyz" as seamless as possible.

Resources to help you hear it:

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Usage and examples with the word oppose in English

Let's break down how to use the word "oppose" in English. It's a versatile word with a specific meaning, but it's used in many different contexts.

1. Core Meaning: To Resist or Object

At its most fundamental, "oppose" means to actively resist or object to something. It implies a disagreement or a refusal to accept something.

  • Example: "The students opposed the new school policy." (They disagreed with and resisted the policy.)
  • Example: "He opposed the proposal during the meeting." (He objected to the proposal.)

2. Different Forms and Nuances:

  • Oppose (Verb - Present Tense): This is the most common form. It describes an action happening now.

    • "They are opposing the construction of the new highway." (They are currently working against it.)

  • To Oppose (Verb - Infinitive): Used to describe a general intention or willingness to resist.

    • "It's important to oppose injustice wherever you see it." (It's important to actively resist it.)

  • Opposed (Adjective): Describes something that is against or in opposition to something else.

    • "They were opposed to the idea of moving." (They were against the idea.)
    • "The opposed factions argued fiercely." (The opposing factions – groups with different opinions – argued.)

  • Opposition (Noun): Refers to the state of being against something or someone.

    • “There's strong opposition to the proposed changes.” (There's a lot of resistance to the changes.)
    • "The politician faced fierce opposition from his constituents." (He faced strong resistance from his voters.)

3. How to Use “Oppose” in Sentences – Examples with Context:

  • Political Context: "The opposition party opposed the government's economic plan."
  • Legal Context: "The defendant opposed the prosecutor's claims."
  • Personal Relationships: "She opposed his decision to quit his job."
  • Protests/Demonstrations: "Protesters opposed the military regime."
  • Scientific/Technical: "Researchers opposed the hypothesis based on their data."

4. Synonyms for "Oppose":

Using synonyms can help you vary your language and make your writing more interesting:

  • Resist
  • Object to
  • Dispute
  • Challenge
  • Contradict
  • Reject
  • Fight against
  • Denounce

5. Important Considerations:

  • Strength of Opposition: "Oppose" can range from a gentle disagreement to a forceful resistance. You can add words to show the degree of opposition (e.g., "strongly oppose," "vehemently oppose").

  • Reason for Opposition: Often, you'll want to explain why someone is opposing something. ("They opposed the policy because it would harm the environment.")

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., an essay, a story, a business report?)
  • Can you provide a specific sentence or context where you're trying to use "oppose"?

Synonyms for the word oppose

Practice with vocabulary oppose

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many employees ______ the new policy on remote work, citing concerns about work-life balance.
  2. The human rights organization plans to ______ the government's proposal to restrict freedom of speech.
  3. Her research findings appeared to ______ the long-held assumption about the causes of the economic downturn.
  4. Instead of criticizing the current system, we should ______ innovative solutions to improve it.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. To express strong disagreement with a new company policy, you could: a) endorse it b) oppose it c) object to it d) support it e) challenge it

  2. If a government proposes a controversial law, citizens might: a) advocate for it b) comply with it c) oppose it d) resist it e) approve it

  3. The union leaders decided to ______ the management's decision to cut benefits. a) concur with b) defy c) oppose d) concede to e) contest

  4. Before making a final decision, it's crucial to ______ all available data. a) disregard b) synthesize c) ignore d) analyze e) compile

  5. Despite the harsh weather conditions, the team managed to ______ the difficult climb. a) relinquish b) abandon c) complete d) withstand e) capitulate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: There was significant resistance from the community regarding the new traffic plan. Rewrite:
  2. Original: She expressed her disagreement with the proposed budget cuts during the meeting. Rewrite:
  3. Original: The company decided to reject the merger offer after careful consideration. Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. oppose
  2. oppose
  3. challenge
  4. advocate for

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) oppose, c) object to, e) challenge
  2. c) oppose, d) resist
  3. b) defy, c) oppose, e) contest
  4. b) synthesize, d) analyze, e) compile
  5. c) complete, d) withstand

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite: The community strongly opposed the new traffic plan.
  2. Rewrite: She made her opposition to the proposed budget cuts clear during the meeting.
  3. Rewrite: The company decided to decline the merger offer after careful consideration.

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