Apposed vs Opposed: Which One Is The Correct One?

Are you confused about whether to use “apposed” or “opposed” in your writing? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words may sound similar, but they have different meanings and uses. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between apposed and opposed, and when to use each of them.

The proper word to use depends on the context of your sentence. In most cases, “opposed” is the correct word to use. It means to be against or in conflict with something. For example, “I am opposed to the new policy.” On the other hand, “apposed” means to be placed next to or in contact with something. This word is not commonly used in everyday language, but it may be used in scientific or medical contexts. For example, “The cells were apposed to each other.”

Now that we know the difference between these two words, let’s dive deeper into their definitions and usage.

Define Apposed

Apposed is an adjective that describes two things positioned side by side or facing each other. It is often used to describe the relationship between two anatomical structures or organs in the body. For example, the lungs are apposed to the thoracic wall.

Apposition is a term used in grammar to describe the relationship between two nouns or noun phrases that are placed next to each other to explain or describe one another. For example, in the sentence “My friend, the doctor,” the phrase “the doctor” is in apposition to “my friend.”

Define Opposed

Opposed is an adjective that describes being against or in conflict with something. It can refer to a physical position, such as two objects facing each other in opposition, or to a disagreement or conflict of ideas or opinions. For example, a political candidate may be opposed to a certain policy, or two countries may be opposed in a military conflict.

The word “oppose” can also be used as a verb, meaning to be against or resist something. For example, a group of citizens may oppose a new development project in their neighborhood, or a person may oppose a particular political candidate.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Understanding the difference between similar words can be a challenge for even the most seasoned writer. In this section, we will explore the proper use of “apposed” and “opposed” in a sentence.

How To Use “Apposed” In A Sentence

“Apposed” is a less common word that means “placed in juxtaposition or side by side.” It is often used in medical terminology to describe the positioning of two structures or tissues. Here are some examples of how to use “apposed” in a sentence:

• The surgeon carefully apposed the edges of the incision to promote proper healing.
• The two bones were apposed to each other, allowing for proper alignment and healing.

As you can see, “apposed” is typically used in technical or medical contexts to describe the positioning of objects or structures.

How To Use “Opposed” In A Sentence

“Opposed” is a more commonly used word that means “to be against or in conflict with.” It can be used in a variety of contexts and is often used in everyday conversation. Here are some examples of how to use “opposed” in a sentence:

• She was opposed to the idea of moving to a new city.
• The two political candidates were opposed on many issues.
• The teacher was opposed to the use of cell phones in the classroom.

As you can see, “opposed” is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts to describe being against or in conflict with something.

More Examples Of Apposed & Opposed Used In Sentences

In order to gain a better understanding of the proper use of apposed and opposed, it is useful to examine more examples of each word being used in a sentence. Below are several examples of each word being used in context:

Examples Of Using Apposed In A Sentence

• The two buildings were apposed to each other, creating a narrow alleyway.
• His view was apposed to hers, causing a heated debate.
• The two paintings were apposed to each other on the gallery wall.
• The two cars were apposed to each other in the parking lot.
• The two political candidates were apposed to each other in a heated debate.
• The two theories were apposed to each other in the scientific community.
• The two teams were apposed to each other in the championship game.
• The two ideas were apposed to each other in the philosophical discussion.
• The two cultures were apposed to each other in the clash of civilizations.
• The two companies were apposed to each other in the competitive market.

Examples Of Using Opposed In A Sentence

• She was opposed to the idea of moving to a new city.
• He was opposed to the new policy being implemented.
• The group was opposed to the construction of a new highway.
• The politician was opposed to the new tax legislation.
• The organization was opposed to the use of animal testing.
• The community was opposed to the development of a new shopping center.
• The environmentalists were opposed to the drilling for oil in the Arctic.
• The teacher was opposed to the use of standardized testing.
• The student was opposed to the school’s dress code policy.
• The activist was opposed to the government’s immigration policy.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “apposed” and “opposed,” many people tend to mix them up and use them interchangeably. However, it is important to note that these two words have different meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words and tips on how to avoid them:

Using “Apposed” Instead Of “Opposed”

One common mistake people make is using “apposed” instead of “opposed.” While these two words might sound similar, they have different meanings. “Apposed” means to be placed or situated close to something, while “opposed” means to be against or in conflict with something. Using “apposed” instead of “opposed” can lead to confusion and miscommunication.

To avoid this mistake, it is important to understand the difference between these two words and use them appropriately. If you want to express that you are against something, use “opposed” instead of “apposed.”

Using “Opposed” Instead Of “Apposed”

Another common mistake people make is using “opposed” instead of “apposed.” This mistake is less common than the previous one, but it can still cause confusion. “Apposed” means to be placed or situated close to something, while “opposed” means to be against or in conflict with something. Using “opposed” instead of “apposed” can change the meaning of a sentence.

To avoid this mistake, it is important to understand the meaning of these words and use them appropriately. If you want to express that two things are close to each other, use “apposed” instead of “opposed.”

Confusing “Apposed” With “Opposite”

Another mistake people make is confusing “apposed” with “opposite.” While these two words might sound similar, they have different meanings. “Apposed” means to be placed or situated close to something, while “opposite” means completely different or contrary. Using “apposed” instead of “opposite” can change the meaning of a sentence.

To avoid this mistake, it is important to understand the meaning of these words and use them appropriately. If you want to express that something is completely different from something else, use “opposite” instead of “apposed.”

Using Both Words In The Same Sentence

Finally, some people make the mistake of using both “apposed” and “opposed” in the same sentence. While this might seem like a way to emphasize a point, it can actually make the sentence confusing and hard to understand. It is best to choose one word and use it appropriately.

To avoid this mistake, it is important to choose the right word for the context and stick with it. If you want to emphasize a point, use other words or phrases instead of using both “apposed” and “opposed” in the same sentence.

Context Matters

As with many words in the English language, the choice between “apposed” and “opposed” can depend on the context in which they are used. While they may have similar meanings, the subtle differences can make a big impact on the overall meaning of a sentence or phrase.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s explore some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “apposed” and “opposed” might change:

Medical Context

In a medical context, “apposed” is often used to describe the placement of tissues or organs next to each other. For example, “the edges of the wound were apposed with sutures.” On the other hand, “opposed” might be used to describe a patient’s reaction to a certain treatment or medication. For instance, “the patient was opposed to taking the medication due to the potential side effects.”

Political Context

In a political context, “opposed” is commonly used to describe a stance against a certain policy or ideology. For example, “the senator was opposed to the new tax bill.” In this context, using “apposed” would not make sense. However, “apposed” might be used to describe the physical placement of opposing parties, such as “the two candidates were apposed on the debate stage.”

Mathematical Context

In a mathematical context, “apposed” might be used to describe the placement of two quantities side by side for comparison. For instance, “the two fractions were apposed to show their differences.” In contrast, “opposed” might be used to describe the relationship between two values, such as “the two numbers were opposed in sign.”

These are just a few examples of how context can influence the choice between “apposed” and “opposed.” It is important to consider the meaning and connotation of each word in the specific context in which it is being used.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the proper use of apposed and opposed is straightforward, there are a few exceptions where the rules might not apply. Below are some of the exceptions along with explanations and examples:

1. Apposed Used As A Medical Term

In the medical field, apposed is used to describe the joining or placing of two tissues or structures together. This usage is an exception to the general rule that apposed is not used as a verb. For example:

• The surgeon apposed the edges of the wound.
• The bones were apposed and held in place with screws.

2. Opposed Used As An Adjective

Opposed can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is in conflict or contrast with something else. In this case, it is not used as a verb and does not require an object. For example:

• The opposed political parties had different views on the issue.
• The colors on the painting are opposed to each other.

3. Opposed To Used As A Preposition

Opposed to can be used as a preposition to show a contrast or opposition between two things. In this case, it is not used as a verb and does not require an object. For example:

• Many people are opposed to the new law.
• The company is opposed to using animals for testing.

It is important to note that these exceptions are not interchangeable with the general rules for using apposed and opposed, and should only be used in their specific contexts.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of apposed and opposed is to practice using them in sentences. Here are some exercises to help you do just that:

Exercise 1

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank:

1. The two buildings were apposed/opposed to each other.
2. I am apposed/opposed to the death penalty.
3. The two teams were apposed/opposed to each other in the championship game.

Answer key:

1. apposed
2. opposed
3. opposed

Exercise 2

Write a sentence using apposed and another using opposed.

Example:

The two paintings were apposed on the wall, allowing viewers to compare them side by side.

I am opposed to animal cruelty and will always speak out against it.

Exercise 3

Identify whether the following sentences use apposed or opposed.

Sentence	Word used
The two candidates were apposed in the debate.	apposed
I am opposed to the use of pesticides on crops.	opposed
The two buildings were opposed to each other, with one facing east and the other facing west.	opposed
The two cars were apposed in the parking lot, making it difficult for other drivers to get through.	apposed

Explanation:

Remember, apposed means “placed side by side” or “in juxtaposition,” while opposed means “against” or “in conflict with.”

Conclusion

After reading this article, it is clear that understanding the difference between “apposed” and “opposed” is crucial for effective communication. Here are the key takeaways:

Apposed Vs Opposed: Key Takeaways

• The word “apposed” means to be placed next to or in contact with something, while “opposed” means to be against or in conflict with something.
• Using “apposed” instead of “opposed” can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
• It is important to pay attention to context and usage when deciding which word to use.

As you continue to learn about grammar and language use, remember the importance of precision and clarity in your writing. By using the correct words and understanding their meanings, you can communicate your ideas effectively and avoid confusion. Keep practicing and expanding your language skills to become a more confident and skilled communicator.