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B2 verb 11 min read

opposer

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips opposer in 30 Seconds

Explanation opposer in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the verb 'opposer' yet, but you will learn its cousin 'opposé' (opposite). You use this to talk about simple things like 'the opposite of hot is cold.' You might hear 'C'est l'opposé' in a classroom when a teacher corrects a word. The verb itself is too complex for this stage because it involves difficult grammar like the pronominal form 'se' and the preposition 'à.' For now, focus on basic adjectives like 'grand/petit' or 'noir/blanc.' If you see 'opposer,' just think of it as 'putting two things against each other.' It is a word you will recognize long before you start saying it in your own sentences.

At the A2 level, you might encounter 'opposer' in simple sports news or basic descriptions of people. You start to see that it means 'to put against.' For example, 'Le match oppose Paris à Marseille.' You can understand that 'Paris' and 'Marseille' are playing each other. You might also see 's'opposer' in very simple stories where a character is 'contre' (against) another character. At this stage, you should try to recognize the 's' + verb + 'à' pattern. Don't worry about using it in complex political debates yet. Just remember: 'opposer' is like a bridge between two things that are fighting or very different.

At the B1 level, you are moving into expressing opinions, and 's'opposer à' becomes a very useful tool. Instead of always saying 'Je ne suis pas d'accord' (I don't agree), you can start saying 'Je m'oppose à cette idée' (I am opposed to this idea). This makes your French sound much more mature. You will also use it to describe contrasts in your writing. For example, 'Dans ce film, le réalisateur oppose la ville à la campagne.' You are now able to see how 'opposer' helps you compare two different things. You should practice the conjugation in the present tense and the 'passé composé' (remembering it uses 'être').

At the B2 level, 'opposer' is a key word for your 'exposé' (oral presentation) and your 'production écrite' (essays). You are expected to use it to structure your arguments. You can 'opposer des faits' to 'des rumeurs' or 'opposer une vision du monde' to another. You should also be comfortable with formal phrases like 'opposer une résistance' or 'opposer un démenti.' At this level, you understand the nuance between 's'opposer' (to resist) and 'opposer' (to contrast). You can use it in professional contexts, like in a meeting where you might say, 'Je dois m'opposer à cette décision pour le bien de l'entreprise.'

At the C1 level, you use 'opposer' with precision and stylistic flair. You understand its legal implications, such as 'opposer une fin de non-recevoir.' You can use the verb in its more rare structures, like 'On lui opposa que...' to introduce a sophisticated counter-argument in a formal debate. You also use it in literary analysis to discuss the 'tensions qui opposent les personnages.' Your vocabulary is rich enough to distinguish 'opposer' from 'confronter,' 'heurter,' or 'objecter.' You use the word to create complex rhetorical structures, showing how different forces in society or literature work against one another.

At the C2 level, you have a total mastery of 'opposer' in all its shades. You can use it in highly technical legal, philosophical, or scientific contexts. You understand the subtle historical and etymological roots that allow the word to carry such weight in French intellectual life. You might use it to discuss the 'principes opposables' in law or the 'propriétés opposées' in chemistry. You can switch between registers effortlessly, using the word in a high-level academic paper or a fast-paced political debate. For you, 'opposer' is not just a verb; it is a fundamental tool for deconstructing and reconstructing complex ideas.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

opposer in 30 Seconds

Opposer is a B2 verb meaning to contrast or to resist. It is essential for formal debates and expressing strong disagreement.
The pronominal form 's'opposer à' is the most common way to say 'to be against' something in French.
It is frequently used in sports (Match A vs B), politics (Opposition), and law (Faire opposition).
Always remember the preposition 'à' when using the pronominal form: Je m'oppose à la décision.

The French verb opposer is a sophisticated and versatile term that goes far beyond the simple English idea of 'being against something.' At its core, it carries the weight of placing two entities—whether physical objects, abstract ideas, or people—in a state of confrontation, contrast, or resistance. In the French linguistic landscape, 'opposer' is the architect of duality. It is used to construct arguments, to describe physical arrangements, and to define legal or social resistance. When you use this word, you are often highlighting a gap, a conflict, or a necessary comparison between two distinct points. It is a B2-level word because it requires an understanding of both transitive and pronominal structures, as well as a grasp of formal registers where it frequently appears in political, legal, and artistic discourse.

Physical Placement: In a literal sense, it means to place something in front of or against something else. For example, a designer might 'opposer' two colors to create a striking visual effect.

Le peintre a choisi d'opposer le bleu au orange pour dynamiser sa toile.

Beyond the physical, 'opposer' is the engine of intellectual debate. In French culture, which prizes rhetoric and the 'thèse-antithèse-synthèse' model, this verb is essential. It allows a speaker to set one argument against another to find a deeper truth. It is not merely a disagreement; it is a structured contrast. In politics, we often talk about what 'oppose' two candidates, referring to their fundamental differences in ideology or policy. This usage suggests a structural or inherent difference rather than a temporary spat.

Legal Resistance: In legal contexts, 'opposer' is used when one party raises an objection or a defense against a claim. To 'opposer une fin de non-recevoir' is a common legal phrase meaning to declare a claim inadmissible.

L'avocat a décidé d'opposer un démenti formel aux accusations portées contre son client.

Finally, the word appears in sports and competitions. When two teams face each other, the match 'oppose' Team A to Team B. This neutral, descriptive use is very common in sports journalism. It frames the competition as a meeting of two forces, emphasizing the dual nature of the contest. Understanding 'opposer' means understanding how French speakers categorize the world into pairs, contrasts, and conflicts, making it a cornerstone for anyone moving into advanced fluency.

La finale de la Coupe du Monde va opposer la France à l'Argentine dans un match historique.

Abstract Contrast: In literature and philosophy, authors 'opposent' concepts like light and shadow, life and death, or passion and reason to explore human nature.

Victor Hugo aimait opposer le sublime au grotesque dans ses œuvres dramatiques.

Rien ne peut s'opposer à la force de sa volonté quand il a un objectif en tête.

Using opposer correctly requires a firm grasp of its transitive and pronominal forms. In its transitive form, the subject acts upon two objects or sets one object against another. The formula is: [Subject] + oppose + [Object A] + à + [Object B]. This structure is fundamental for expressing contrast or conflict. For instance, 'Le gouvernement oppose son veto à la loi' (The government opposes its veto to the law). Here, the veto is the tool of opposition placed against the law.

Transitive Usage (Setting things against each other): When you are the one creating the contrast. 'J'oppose mon point de vue au tien' (I contrast my viewpoint with yours).

Nous devons opposer des faits concrets à ces rumeurs infondées pour rétablir la vérité.

The pronominal form, s'opposer à, is arguably more common in daily conversation. It means 'to be opposed to' or 'to resist.' The formula is: [Subject] + se + oppose + à + [Something/Someone]. This is how you express your personal disagreement or resistance. 'Je m'oppose à ce projet' (I am against this project). It is stronger than 'ne pas être d'accord'; it implies an active stance or a barrier you are creating.

The Passive 'Être opposé': You can also use 'être opposé à' to describe a state of being against something. 'Ils sont farouchement opposés à toute réforme fiscale.'

Ses parents s'opposent catégoriquement à son départ pour l'étranger cette année.

In more formal or literary contexts, 'opposer' can take a 'que' clause: 'On lui opposa qu'il était trop jeune pour le poste' (It was objected to him that he was too young for the job). This is quite rare in spoken French but essential for reading classic literature or legal documents. It functions as a way to introduce a counter-argument or a hurdle.

On peut lui opposer que son raisonnement manque de logique interne.

Reciprocal Usage: When two things are naturally in contrast. 'Leurs styles s'opposent totalement' (Their styles are totally opposite).

Tout semble opposer ces deux frères, pourtant ils s'entendent à merveille.

Il est difficile d'opposer une résistance efficace face à un tel déploiement de force.

If you turn on the French news channel France Info or LCI, you will hear opposer almost daily. The French political scene is defined by 'l'opposition,' and the verb is used to describe the constant friction between the government and its critics. Journalists will say things like 'L'opposition s'oppose vivement à la réforme des retraites' (The opposition strongly opposes the pension reform). It isn't just about saying 'no'; it's about the active political blocking of a measure.

Political Debates: During election cycles, moderators will 'opposer les programmes' of the candidates, comparing them point by point to show the electorate the clear choices available.

Le débat télévisé a permis d'opposer deux visions radicalement différentes de l'avenir du pays.

In the legal world, specifically when dealing with banking or administrative errors, you might hear about 'faire opposition.' If you lose your credit card in France, you call your bank to 'faire opposition à votre carte bancaire.' This is a specific, technical use of the word where you are 'opposing' any further transactions. Similarly, in a court of law, a lawyer might 'opposer un argument,' meaning they are presenting a counter-argument to the judge.

Sports Journalism: Commentators use it to set the stage. 'Cette rencontre oppose le champion en titre à son principal challenger.'

Le tournoi va opposer les seize meilleures équipes du continent dès la semaine prochaine.

In academic settings, especially in university lectures (le cours magistral), professors use 'opposer' to compare different schools of thought. A philosophy professor might 'opposer le rationalisme à l'empirisme.' This helps students understand the fundamental tension between two systems of belief. It is a word of intellectual rigor, used to draw boundaries and define positions clearly.

Il ne faut pas opposer systématiquement la théorie à la pratique ; elles sont souvent complémentaires.

Daily Life Resistance: You might hear a parent say 'Mon fils s'oppose à tout en ce moment,' referring to the 'terrible twos' or teenage rebellion.

L'adolescence est une période où l'on a tendance à s'opposer à l'autorité parentale.

Le curateur a voulu opposer des sculptures classiques à des installations d'art moderne.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with opposer is forgetting the preposition à. In English, we say 'I oppose the plan,' but in French, you must say 'Je m'oppose **au** (à le) plan.' Failing to use the pronominal form 's'opposer' when you mean 'to be against' something is also a common slip. If you just say 'J'oppose le plan,' a French person will wait for you to say what you are opposing it *to*. You are essentially saying 'I am contrasting the plan (with something else).'

The Missing 'À': Incorrect: Ils s'opposent la décision. Correct: Ils s'opposent **à la** décision. This is non-negotiable in French grammar.

Beaucoup de gens s'opposent à la construction de ce nouvel aéroport pour des raisons écologiques.

Another mistake is confusing 'opposer' with 'résister.' While they are related, 'résister' implies a passive or enduring strength against a force, whereas 's'opposer' is often an active, verbal, or legal stance. You 'résister' to a temptation, but you 's'opposer' to a law. If you use 'opposer' for physical resistance like a wall resisting water, it sounds strange; 'résister' is the better fit there.

Transitive vs. Pronominal Confusion: Using 'opposer' when you mean 's'opposer'. If you say 'Le maire oppose le projet', it sounds like the mayor is putting the project up against something else. If he hates the project, he 's'oppose au projet'.

Elle s'est opposée avec force à la vente de la maison familiale après le décès de son grand-père.

Finally, watch out for 'contraire.' While 'contraire' means 'contrary,' it is usually an adjective or a noun ('le contraire'). You cannot 'contrairer' a person in the same way you 's'opposer' to them. English speakers sometimes try to invent verbs based on English cognates that don't exist in French. Stick to 's'opposer à' for the act of being in opposition.

Il ne faut pas opposer ces deux idées, car elles peuvent coexister dans un même système.

Overusing 'Contre': While 'être contre' is fine in casual French, 's'opposer à' is the mark of a more advanced, B2+ speaker. It shows a better command of verb structures.

Le syndicat a décidé d'opposer une fin de non-recevoir aux dernières propositions du patronat.

Rien ne semblait pouvoir s'opposer à leur bonheur, jusqu'à ce que la nouvelle tombe.

To truly master the nuance of opposer, you need to know its neighbors. French is rich with verbs that describe conflict and contrast, each with its own flavor. Understanding these will help you choose the precise word for your context, making your French sound more natural and sophisticated.

Confronter vs. Opposer: 'Confronter' means to bring two things face-to-face to compare them or to force someone to face a reality. 'Opposer' emphasizes the *difference* or the *conflict* between them, whereas 'confronter' is more about the *meeting*.

Il faut confronter les témoignages pour savoir qui dit la vérité.

Another alternative is contredire. This is specifically for speech or ideas. If you 'contredire' someone, you are saying the opposite of what they said. 'Opposer' is broader; you can 'opposer' a silence to an insult, but you wouldn't 'contredire' an insult with silence. 'Opposer' is about setting up a barrier or a counter-force.

Diverger: When two paths or opinions simply go in different directions without necessarily fighting. 'Nos avis divergent' is softer than 'Nos avis s'opposent'.

Bien que leurs méthodes divergent, ils ont le même objectif final.

In more formal writing, you might use objecter. This is very close to the English 'object.' It is used almost exclusively for verbalizing a reason why you are against something. 'Il a objecté que le budget était insuffisant.' This is a more specific type of 'opposer'—the verbal kind.

On peut lui objecter que son plan est trop risqué pour l'entreprise.

Faire obstacle à: This phrase is used when the opposition is a physical or bureaucratic hurdle. 'Il fait obstacle à ma carrière' means he is actively blocking my progress.

La bureaucratie peut parfois faire obstacle à l'innovation technologique.

L'hôtel fait face à la mer, offrant une vue imprenable aux clients.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'opposite' in English comes from the same Latin root. In French, the word evolved into 'opposer' in the 12th century, originally used in physical and legal contexts.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɔ.pɔ.ze/

US /oʊ.poʊ.zeɪ/

The stress in French is always on the last syllable: op-po-SER.

Rhymes With

proposer composer poser exposer reposer arroser oser doser

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'r'. In French, '-er' verbs end in an 'e' sound.
Using a voiced 'z' sound for the double 'pp'. It should be a crisp 'p'.
Confusing the 'o' sounds. The first 'o' is often slightly more open than the second.
Stress on the first syllable. English speakers often say OP-poser, but it must be op-po-SER.
Adding a 'y' sound to the end. It is a clean 'e', not 'ay-ee'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and literature, easy to recognize from English 'oppose'.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of 'à' and pronominal structures.

Speaking 4/5

Choosing between 'opposer' and 's'opposer' takes practice.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with other '-oser' verbs.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

contre idée match avis choisir

Learn Next

confronter contredire diverger objecter résister

Advanced

dialectique antinomie divergence réfuter réprouver

Grammar to Know

Pronominal verbs with 'être' in past tenses.

Elle s'est opposée (not elle a opposé) à la réforme.

The preposition 'à' after 's'opposer'.

Je m'oppose AU (à le) projet.

Agreement of the past participle with the subject in pronominal verbs.

Les filles se sont opposées à l'idée.

Using 'que' + indicative after 'opposer' to mean 'to object'.

Il lui opposa qu'elle n'avait pas de preuves.

Inversion in formal questions with pronominal verbs.

S'oppose-t-il vraiment à notre venue ?

Examples by Level

Le noir est l'opposé du blanc.

Black is the opposite of white.

Here 'opposé' is used as a noun.

Ils sont à l'opposé.

They are at the opposite ends.

Common phrase 'à l'opposé'.

C'est le sens opposé.

It's the opposite direction.

'Opposé' as an adjective.

Je vais dans la direction opposée.

I am going in the opposite direction.

Adjective agrees with 'direction' (feminine).

Mon frère et moi sommes très opposés.

My brother and I are very different.

'Opposés' as an adjective describing people.

Le chaud s'oppose au froid.

Hot is opposed to cold.

Simple pronominal use.

Il habite de l'autre côté opposé.

He lives on the other opposite side.

Using 'opposé' to describe location.

C'est l'idée opposée.

It's the opposite idea.

Simple adjective use.

Le match oppose deux grandes équipes.

The match pits two great teams against each other.

Transitive use of 'opposer'.

Il s'oppose à mon idée.

He is against my idea.

Pronominal 's'opposer à'.

Elle ne veut pas s'opposer à ses parents.

She doesn't want to go against her parents.

Infinitive after 'vouloir'.

Pourquoi t'opposes-tu à ce projet ?

Why are you against this project?

Question with inversion.

Le film oppose le bien et le mal.

The movie contrasts good and evil.

Direct contrast.

Nous nous opposons à ce changement.

We are against this change.

First person plural pronominal.

Le juge va opposer les deux versions.

The judge will compare the two versions.

Future with 'aller'.

Rien ne s'oppose à notre départ.

Nothing is standing in the way of our departure.

'Rien' as subject.

Le syndicat s'oppose fermement à la baisse des salaires.

The union strongly opposes the wage cut.

Adverb 'fermement' modifies the verb.

On peut opposer plusieurs arguments à cette théorie.

One can raise several arguments against this theory.

Transitive use with 'on'.

Il s'est opposé à la vente de son entreprise.

He opposed the sale of his company.

Passé composé with 'être'.

Leurs caractères s'opposent, mais ils s'aiment.

Their personalities are opposite, but they love each other.

Reciprocal pronominal use.

L'auteur oppose la richesse à la pauvreté dans son livre.

The author contrasts wealth and poverty in his book.

Literary analysis context.

Je ne peux pas m'opposer à la volonté du groupe.

I cannot go against the group's will.

Modal verb 'pouvoir'.

Ils ont opposé une résistance héroïque.

They put up a heroic resistance.

Fixed expression 'opposer une résistance'.

Elle s'opposera à toute décision injuste.

She will oppose any unfair decision.

Future tense.

Le maire a dû opposer son veto pour bloquer le projet.

The mayor had to use his veto to block the project.

Political context.

Il est vain de vouloir opposer la science à la religion.

It is futile to want to pit science against religion.

Impersonal 'Il est... de'.

Les deux candidats s'opposent sur la politique étrangère.

The two candidates disagree on foreign policy.

Pronominal with preposition 'sur'.

L'avocat a opposé un démenti formel aux accusations.

The lawyer issued a formal denial to the accusations.

Legal/Formal register.

Elle s'est toujours opposée au port de l'uniforme.

She has always been opposed to wearing a uniform.

Agreement of past participle with 'Elle'.

Le nouveau règlement s'oppose aux principes de base.

The new regulation goes against the basic principles.

Abstract subject.

Nous devons opposer une fin de non-recevoir à cette demande.

We must declare this request inadmissible.

Legal idiom.

Ses actes s'opposent radicalement à ses paroles.

His actions are radically opposed to his words.

Adverb 'radicalement'.

L'histoire tend à opposer les grands empires aux cités-États.

History tends to contrast great empires with city-states.

Academic/Historical context.

On peut lui opposer que sa méthode manque de rigueur.

One can object to him that his method lacks rigor.

Structure 'opposer que'.

Le philosophe s'oppose à toute forme de déterminisme.

The philosopher opposes every form of determinism.

Philosophical context.

Il a fallu opposer une force égale pour arrêter le mouvement.

An equal force had to be applied to stop the movement.

Scientific context.

La tragédie classique oppose souvent le devoir à la passion.

Classical tragedy often pits duty against passion.

Literary analysis.

Les riverains se sont opposés farouchement au projet urbain.

The residents fiercely opposed the urban project.

Agreement with 'Les riverains'.

L'administration a opposé un refus catégorique à sa requête.

The administration gave a categorical refusal to his request.

Formal administrative style.

Rien ne saurait s'opposer à l'évolution inéluctable des mœurs.

Nothing could stand in the way of the inevitable evolution of customs.

Conditional 'saurait' for high formality.

La dialectique hégélienne consiste à opposer l'idée à son contraire.

Hegelian dialectics consists of pitting the idea against its opposite.

High-level philosophical discourse.

Le requérant peut opposer l'exception d'illégalité.

The applicant can raise the defense of illegality.

Technical legal terminology.

Il convient d'opposer une vision holistique à ce réductionnisme.

It is appropriate to contrast a holistic vision with this reductionism.

Formal academic 'Il convient de'.

Le droit d'opposition permet de s'opposer au traitement des données.

The right to object allows one to oppose data processing.

Legal/Digital rights context.

L'œuvre de Proust oppose le temps perdu au temps retrouvé.

Proust's work contrasts lost time with time regained.

Advanced literary reference.

Le dogmatisme s'oppose par essence à la libre pensée.

Dogmatism is by essence opposed to free thought.

Abstract philosophical statement.

On ne saurait opposer de tels arguments sans preuves tangibles.

One cannot raise such arguments without tangible proof.

Sustained formal register.

La structure même du récit oppose le protagoniste à son destin.

The very structure of the narrative pits the protagonist against his destiny.

Narratological analysis.

Common Collocations

opposer une résistance

opposer son veto

opposer un démenti

s'opposer formellement

tout nous oppose

opposer une fin de non-recevoir

opposer le bien au mal

s'opposer avec violence

opposer des faits

rien ne s'oppose à

Common Phrases

faire opposition

— To stop a payment or block a credit card. It is a very common administrative action in France.

J'ai dû faire opposition sur ma carte car je l'ai perdue.

être à l'opposé

— To be completely different or located on the other side. It emphasizes a great distance.

Leurs points de vue sont à l'opposé l'un de l'autre.

en sens opposé

— In the opposite direction. Used for traffic or movement.

Les deux voitures roulaient en sens opposé.

l'opposition officielle

— The main political party that is not in power. It is a formal political entity.

Le chef de l'opposition a critiqué le budget.

par opposition à

— In contrast to. Used to explain something by showing what it is not.

Il est calme, par opposition à sa sœur qui est nerveuse.

s'opposer de toutes ses forces

— To resist with all one's might. It shows extreme determination.

Elle s'est opposée de toutes ses forces à ce mariage.

un avis opposé

— A contrary opinion. Used in discussions to signal disagreement.

Si quelqu'un a un avis opposé, qu'il s'exprime maintenant.

sans s'opposer

— Without resisting. Implies passive acceptance.

Il a suivi les ordres sans s'opposer.

opposer un refus

— To give a refusal. It sounds more formal than just saying 'refuser'.

Le directeur a opposé un refus catégorique à ma demande.

les pôles opposés

— Opposite poles. Can be literal (magnets) or metaphorical (personalities).

Les pôles opposés s'attirent.

Often Confused With

opposer vs résister

Résister is about staying strong against a force; opposer is about actively being against a proposal or contrasting ideas.

opposer vs contredire

Contredire is specifically about speaking; you can s'opposer to a physical action, but you contredire a statement.

opposer vs comparer

Comparer looks for similarities and differences; opposer specifically looks for differences and conflicts.

Idioms & Expressions

"tout oppose (quelqu'un)"

— To have nothing in common. It suggests a fundamental incompatibility between two people.

Tout oppose ces deux politiciens, sauf leur amour pour la France.

neutral

"opposer une fin de non-recevoir"

— To reject a request immediately and completely, often without discussion.

Le patron a opposé une fin de non-recevoir à nos demandes de congés.

formal

"être aux antipodes"

— To be at opposite ends of the world or to have completely different views. Related to 'opposé'.

Sur cette question, nous sommes aux antipodes.

neutral

"dresser l'un contre l'autre"

— To pit one against the other. A more aggressive version of 'opposer'.

Il a essayé de dresser les deux frères l'un contre l'autre.

neutral

"faire bloc contre"

— To unite against something. The opposite of being divided.

Les citoyens font bloc contre le projet de loi.

neutral

"aller à l'encontre de"

— To go against something. Often used for logic, rules, or nature.

Cela va à l'encontre de tout bon sens.

formal

"jouer sur les contrastes"

— To use differences to one's advantage, similar to 'opposer' in art.

Le décorateur joue sur les contrastes pour agrandir la pièce.

neutral

"prendre le contre-pied"

— To take the opposite stance or to do the exact opposite of what is expected.

Il a pris le contre-pied des critiques en sortant un album acoustique.

informal

"être en porte-à-faux"

— To be in an awkward or contradictory position.

Sa position est en porte-à-faux avec ses engagements passés.

formal

"faire barrage à"

— To block or stop something from progressing, like an 'opposition'.

Ils ont fait barrage à la réforme par des grèves massives.

neutral

Easily Confused

opposer vs opposé

It can be an adjective, a noun, or a past participle.

As an adjective, it describes (the opposite side). As a noun, it's the thing itself (the opposite). As a verb, it's the action.

C'est l'avis opposé (Adj). C'est l'opposé (Noun). Il s'est opposé (Verb).

opposer vs apposer

Sounds very similar to 'opposer'.

Apposer means to put or fix something on (like a signature or a seal). Opposer means to contrast or resist.

Il a apposé sa signature sur le contrat.

opposer vs supposer

Ends with the same root.

Supposer means to assume or suppose. It has nothing to do with conflict.

Je suppose qu'il viendra demain.

opposer vs exposer

Ends with the same root.

Exposer means to show or explain. Opposer means to put against.

Il expose ses peintures dans cette galerie.

opposer vs proposer

Ends with the same root.

Proposer means to suggest. It is the opposite of 'opposer' in a debate.

Je propose d'aller au cinéma.

Sentence Patterns

Le match oppose [A] à [B].

Le match oppose Lyon à Lille.

Je m'oppose à [Nom].

Je m'oppose à ce changement.

Il oppose [A] à [B].

Il oppose son avis au mien.

S'opposer à ce que [Sujet] [Subjonctif].

Elle s'oppose à ce que nous partions.

Opposer une résistance [Adjectif].

Ils ont opposé une résistance farouche.

On peut lui opposer que [Phrase].

On peut lui opposer qu'il a tort.

Tout oppose [A] et [B].

Tout oppose ces deux théories.

Opposer une fin de non-recevoir.

Le ministre a opposé une fin de non-recevoir.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in media, high in academic writing, medium in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Je m'oppose la loi. → Je m'oppose à la loi.
You must use the preposition 'à' after 's'opposer'.
Il a opposé au projet. → Il s'est opposé au projet.
To say 'he was against it', you must use the pronominal form 's'opposer'.
J'oppose avec toi. → Je m'oppose à toi / Je suis en opposition avec toi.
You don't 'oppose with' someone in French; you 'oppose yourself to' them.
Ils ont opposé le match. → Le match a opposé les deux équipes.
The match is the subject that 'opposes' the teams, or the teams 's'opposent'.
Elle s'est opposé à l'idée. → Elle s'est opposée à l'idée.
In the passé composé with 'être', the participle must agree with the feminine subject 'Elle'.

Tips

Watch the Preposition

Always remember that 's'opposer' needs 'à'. If you say 'Je m'oppose le projet', it is grammatically incorrect. It must be 'Je m'oppose AU projet'.

Use it in Essays

To get a higher score in French writing exams, use 'opposer' to contrast two viewpoints. It sounds much better than just saying 'mais' (but).

Opposition vs Résistance

Use 'opposition' for ideas, laws, and politics. Use 'résistance' for physical force or enduring a hard situation.

The Silent R

In the infinitive 'opposer', the 'r' is silent. It sounds exactly like the past participle 'opposé'. Context will tell you which one is being used.

Faire Opposition

If you live in France, memorize 'faire opposition'. You will need it if you lose your wallet to block your cards immediately.

Match Announcing

When watching French sports news, listen for 'oppose'. It's the standard way they describe who is playing against whom.

The Art of Debate

French people value intellectual conflict. Don't be afraid to 's'opposer' to an idea in a discussion; it is often seen as a sign of engagement, not rudeness.

Opposer que...

In very formal writing, you can use 'On lui opposa que...' to introduce a counter-point. This will make you sound like a native C1/C2 speaker.

Picture a Wall

Imagine 's'opposer' as building a wall in front of an idea. You are placing ('poser') yourself 'against' ('ob/op') it.

Word Family

Associate 'opposer' with 'position'. You are taking a 'position' 'against' something.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'OPponent' in a game. You are 'OP-posing' them. You 'POSE' (place) yourself 'OP' (against) them.

Visual Association

Imagine two magnets with the same poles pushing each other away. This is the energy of 's'opposer'. Or imagine a judge placing two different stories on a scale to 'opposer' them.

Word Web

Contre Résistance Opposition Veto Contraste Duel Argument Match

Challenge

Try to write three sentences: one about a sports match, one about a political opinion using 's'opposer à', and one about a contrast in a movie.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'opponere', which is composed of 'ob' (against/in front of) and 'ponere' (to place). It literally means 'to place against'.

Original meaning: To set or place something in front of another thing, either as a barrier or for comparison.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be aware that 's'opposer' is a strong word. In a professional setting, it is a firm stance. Use 'ne pas être tout à fait d'accord' if you want to be softer.

English speakers often use 'against' or 'disagree', but French speakers prefer the more formal and structural 's'opposer à'.

L'Opposition (political term for the minority in parliament) Le pouce opposable (The human trait of the opposable thumb) L'Opposant (a common title for political dissidents in literature)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Politics

L'opposition parlementaire
S'opposer à une loi
Opposer son veto
Le chef de l'opposition

Banking/Admin

Faire opposition à sa carte
Opposition administrative
Droit d'opposition
Formulaire d'opposition

Sports

Le match qui oppose...
Une forte opposition
Opposer une défense solide
Rencontre qui oppose

Art/Literature

Opposer les couleurs
Le contraste qui oppose
Opposer l'ombre à la lumière
Structure opposée

Law

Opposer un argument
Tiers opposition
Opposer une fin de non-recevoir
Acte d'opposition

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que tu t'opposes souvent aux décisions de ton patron ?"

"Quels sont les arguments que l'on pourrait opposer à la semaine de quatre jours ?"

"Dans ton sport préféré, quel est le match historique qui a opposé les meilleures équipes ?"

"Penses-tu qu'il faille toujours opposer la raison aux sentiments ?"

"As-tu déjà dû faire opposition à ta carte bancaire lors d'un voyage ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris une situation où tu t'es opposé à une injustice. Quelles ont été les conséquences ?

Analyse un film ou un livre en expliquant comment l'auteur oppose les personnages principaux.

Quelles sont les valeurs qui s'opposent le plus dans la société actuelle selon toi ?

Écris une lettre formelle pour t'opposer à un projet de construction dans ton quartier.

Réflexion : Est-il possible de concilier deux idées qui semblent s'opposer totalement ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in almost all its common uses. Whether you are 'opposing' one thing to another (transitive) or 'being opposed' to something (pronominal), the preposition 'à' is the link. For example: 'opposer le noir au blanc' or 's'opposer au projet'.

'Être contre' is simpler and more informal. 'S'opposer à' is more formal and implies a more active or structural resistance. You would use 's'opposer à' in an essay or a business meeting.

Yes, you can 'opposer' two colors in a painting or 'opposer' two mirrors. It means you are placing them in a way that creates a contrast or a specific relationship.

A lawyer would say 'J'élève une objection' or 'Je m'oppose'. The verb 'opposer' is very common in legal settings for raising defenses.

Because it is a pronominal verb, it always uses 'être'. Example: 'Nous nous sommes opposés à la loi.' Don't forget to agree the past participle with the subject!

It means to cancel or block a payment instrument like a check or a credit card. It is the standard term used if your card is stolen.

Only in the sense of comparing by contrast. If you are looking for similarities, 'opposer' is the wrong word. It is used to highlight the gap between two things.

Yes, it is a regular '-er' verb (first group). It follows the same conjugation patterns as 'parler' or 'aimer'.

It is a legal right, especially in data privacy (GDPR), that allows individuals to refuse the processing of their personal data.

You can say 'Le match oppose A à B'. This is a very common way to announce sports events in French media.