Definition

1. Preposition:
   • In opposition to: "against" indicates being in a position or state of conflict, disagreement, or resistance to something or someone.
   • In contact with: "against" describes being physically touching or pressing on a surface.
   • In preparation for: "against" can mean in anticipation of or to protect from something, often a future event or danger.
   • In comparison to: "against" is used to show contrast or juxtaposition, often in terms of colour, background, or position.

Usage Examples

• In opposition to:

  • She voted against the proposal. (She expressed disagreement with the plan.)
  • He fought against the invading army. (He resisted the military force.)

• In contact with:

  • The ladder was leaning against the wall. (The ladder was touching the wall for support.)
  • He pressed his ear against the door to listen. (He brought his ear into contact with the door.)

• In preparation for:

  • We saved money against a rainy day. (We stored funds to prepare for future difficulties.)
  • The medicine is a precaution against infection. (The medicine is used to prevent infection.)

• In comparison to:

  • The dark clouds stood out against the bright sky. (The clouds contrasted with the sky.)
  • Her score was measured against the class average. (Her score was compared to the average.)

Advanced Usage

• "against the clock": in a race to finish within a time limit.

  • The team worked against the clock to meet the deadline. (They worked quickly to finish on time.)

• "against all odds": despite very low probability of success.

  • She won the race against all odds. (She succeeded despite expectations of failure.)

• "against the grain": contrary to natural inclination or normal behaviour.

  • It goes against the grain for him to ask for help. (Asking for help is not natural for him.)

Variants and Related Words

• Counter (adj/adv): in opposition; contrary.

  • His actions ran counter to our plans. (His actions were against our plans.)

• Contrary (adj): opposite in nature or direction.

  • Contrary to popular belief, he is not guilty. (Opposite to what most people think.)

Synonyms

• Opposed to: in conflict with.
• Contrary to: opposite to.
• Touching: in physical contact with.

Phrasal Verbs

• Go against: to oppose or conflict with.

  • His decision goes against our wishes. (His decision opposes our desires.)

• Stand against: to resist or oppose.

  • They stood against the unjust law. (They resisted the unfair rule.)

Related Idioms

• Up against: facing a difficulty or opponent.

  • We are up against a strong competitor. (We are facing a powerful rival.)

• Set against: to cause to oppose or compare.

  • She set the benefits against the costs. (She compared the advantages with the costs.)