oppose

Verb

Easy difficulty

What does “oppose” mean?

verb.to disapprove of and attempt to prevent, especially by argument.

SAT Usage

the term often appears in contexts involving political discourse, social movements, or debates. It emphasizes a proactive stance against a particular idea or action, suggesting not just disapproval but also an active effort to counter or challenge it, distinguishing it from similar words like "disagree," which may lack the connotation of active resistance.

Common Confusions

Oppose implies an active effort to counter a belief or action, while disagree usually suggests a simple difference of opinion without the connotation of resistance.

Do not choose oppose if the context emphasizes support or agreement rather than disapproving of and attempting to prevent, especially by argument.

Example Sentences

There is still time to oppose this plan.
Many religious leaders oppose cloning humans.
They are opposed to any form of hierarchy.
Several residents oppose the plan to pave over the garden.

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