Against meaning in English
Learn how to use Against correctly with Gymglish.
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Definition
against: contrary to, opposed to; facing; versus; touching
I played tennis against Bjorn Borg yesterday. He was my opponent.
I sat down with my back against the wall. I was sitting on the floor but my back was touching the wall.
This politician is against abortion. He is opposed to abortion being legalized.
against the grain controversial; unusual, unconventional
to be against (something): to be opposed to, to not be in favor of (something)
I am against this marriage. I am not in favor of it.
Pronunciation examples
UK: I'm sitting against a wall.
US: This politician is against capital punishment.
Examples
- "I have some very important news about the criminal cases against you, Mr. Capone."
- "Since I was no longer covered, my insurance claim against Kalvin Krime was refused, even though the truck driver was the responsible party."
- "It's against the rules."
- "They're watching an incredible display of football between the Mexican National team against the United States."
- "It moisturizes, tenderizes, and protects against wrinkles and blemishes."
- "In response to your request, however, we cannot mail you a comprehensive listing of all of our fragrance ingredients because it is against company policy."
- "I have some very important news about the criminal cases against you Mr. Capone."
- "Professor Hyppolyte Fabuleux said "Ever since the French flu pandemic of 1873, our nation has worn scarves to protect against the common cold and flu."
- "Dr. Badguy : As you might have guessed, I have been working closely with your competitors and you should know some of them hold a grudge against you."
- "Susie : You're not really against it?"
- "Jean : Umm, I think we are against it?"
- "The Gunners will be without their star defender Gary Simpson for today's match against Bayern Munich."
- "Cindy : It's against company policy, but just this once..."
- "However, the majority of Australians are against the government on this issue, while the Americans continue to pollute with their enormous cars."
- "Scientists unveil new deterrent against bird flu"
- "Polly : I have nothing against the letter "e", Bob."
- "We are against it."
- "Hannah : I'd like to discuss the CIA's alleged use of torture techniques against terror suspects."
- "A team of French scientists is claiming a major breakthrough in the fight against the avian influenza virus (or "bird flu"): a bird-sized scarf made of wool."
- "I checked them against five other credible agencies (and three disreputable ones)."
Exercise 1
Why does Cindy hesitate before putting Mr. Doleman on hold for the second time?
Why does Cindy hesitate before putting Mr. Doleman on hold for the second time?
Cindy tells Mr. Doleman that putting him on hold for a second time is "against company policy" which means that it goes against the rules of the company.
This is incorrect. The company police rarely react to minor issues such as phone calls.
This is not correct. Philip Cheeter is available to speak with Mr. Doleman.
This may be true, but it is not the reason Cindy hesitates.
Exercise 2
Why does Brian hesitate before letting Ms. Doleman hear the music a second time?
Why does Brian hesitate before letting Ms. Doleman hear the music a second time?
This is the correct answer. Brian tells Ms. Doleman that putting her on hold for a second time is "against company policy" which means that it goes against the rules of the company.
This may be true, but it is not the reason Brian hesitates.
This is incorrect. The company police rarely react to minor issues such as phone calls.
This is not correct. Philip Cheeter is available to speak with Ms. Doleman.
Exercise 3
How does Polly feel about Zirconda's membership in the European Union?
How does Polly feel about Zirconda's membership in the European Union?
Susie suggests that Polly isn't "really against (Zirconda's membership in the EU)". This indicates that Polly is not "against" Zirconda's membership.
Polly tells Susie: "I don't really support Zirconda's membership in the EU".
This is the correct choice. Polly tells Susie that she doesn't really support Zirconda's membership in the European Union, then Susie suggests that Polly isn't "really against it". Polly agrees with this assessment, which indicates that Polly is neutral, or undecided on the Zircondan issue.
Exercise 4
"They made a killing last year, regardless of any of the bad publicity they've received over the years."
Another way to say this is: "They made a killing last year, any of the bad publicity they've received over the years."
(Choose the term which could replace "regardless of" and still fit the sentence grammatically.)
Another way to say this is: "They made a killing last year, any of the bad publicity they've received over the years."
(Choose the term which could replace "regardless of" and still fit the sentence grammatically.)
"They made a killing last year, regardless of any of the bad publicity they've received over the years."
Another way to say this is: "They made a killing last year, despite any of the bad publicity they've received over the years."
(Choose the term which could replace "regardless of" and still fit the sentence grammatically.)
Another way to say this is: "They made a killing last year, despite any of the bad publicity they've received over the years."
(Choose the term which could replace "regardless of" and still fit the sentence grammatically.)
despite: "Despite" means "in spite of" or "notwithstanding". It has the same meaning as "regardless" in this context. Both terms introduce contrast within a sentence.
although: "Although" has a similar meaning to "regardless of", however in this context it cannot be used. "Although" is used to make a link between two things. Example: Although he looked sad, he still smiled and played with the children. The phrase "although any of the bad publicity they've received over the years" is grammatically incorrect.
against: "Against" means to be opposed to something. It cannot be used in this sentence. The phrase "against any of the bad publicity they've received over the years" is grammatically incorrect, and does not express the same meaning as "despite" or "regardless".
nonetheless: "Nonetheless" means "however", or "nevertheless". It can have a similar meaning to "regardless", however it cannot be used in this context. The phrase "nonetheless any of the bad publicity they've received over the years" is grammatically incorrect.
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