What is opposition? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of opposition

oppositionnoun

/ˌɒpəˈzɪʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of opposition

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "opposition." Here's a breakdown of the sounds and a few different ways to say it:

1. The Phonetic Breakdown:

  • op- – Pronounced like “up” (as in, “lift up”) – /ɒp/
  • -pos- – This is a bit trickier. It's a dipthong, meaning it's a blend of two vowel sounds. It's roughly like saying “poe-s” quickly. – /pɒz/
  • -i- – Pronounced like the "i" in "machine" – /i/
  • -tion – Pronounced like “shun” (as in, “motion”) – /ʃən/

2. Putting it Together:

So, the whole word is roughly pronounced: “up-poh-zee-shun”

3. Variations and Tips:

  • Emphasis: The primary stress is usually on the first syllable: “**up-**poh-zee-shun.”
  • Smoother Flow: Try to blend the "poe" sound of "-pos-" with the "i" sound. Don’t say them very distinctly.
  • British vs. American: While both pronunciations are common, American English tends to have a slightly more distinct “poh” sound in the middle. British English might sound a little closer to “pozz.”

4. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some resources:

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

  • Are you aiming for a British or American English accent?

Usage and examples with the word opposition in English

Let's break down how to use the word "opposition" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. As a Noun (the most common use):

  • Meaning 1: A group of people who disagree with a particular policy, leader, or idea. This is the most frequent usage.

    • Example: "The opposition party criticized the government's new economic plan."
    • Example: "He faced strong opposition to his proposal for a new park."
    • Example: “There was a large opposition movement against the war.”

  • Meaning 2: The state of being against something. This is a more general sense of conflict or resistance.

    • Example: “There’s a lot of opposition to change within the company.” (meaning resistance to change)
    • Example: “The country faced strong opposition from its neighbors.” (meaning resistance from neighboring countries)

2. As a Verb:

  • Meaning: To be against something; to resist or oppose.
    • Example: “She opposed the motion in the meeting.”
    • Example: “He opposed her decision to leave her job.”
    • Example: “The union opposed the company’s attempt to cut wages.”

3. Figurative/Abstract Usage:

  • Meaning: A force or element that hinders progress or success. This isn’t always about a direct group of people.
    • Example: “Lack of funding presented a major opposition to their research project.” (funding is the opposition)
    • Example: “His stubbornness was his greatest opposition to compromise.” (stubbornness is the opposition)

Here's a breakdown of how to use it correctly with examples:

Context Example Meaning
Politics “The opposition won the election.” Group opposing a leader/policy
Business “There’s opposition to the merger.” Resistance to a business deal
Personal Life “He faced opposition from his family.” Resistance from family members
General Conflict “The landscape presented opposition.” A challenging element

Tips for Using “Opposition” Effectively:

  • Be specific: When possible, identify who or what is being opposed. "The opposition party" is clearer than just "the opposition."
  • Consider the context: Is it a formal political debate, a business negotiation, or a personal struggle?
  • Synonyms: Sometimes you can use synonyms like “resistance,” “rivalry,” "disagreement," or "countermovement" to add variety.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use the word "opposition"? (e.g., politics, business, a specific conversation, etc.)

Synonyms for the word opposition

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