binary opposition

USAGE SUMMARY

"binary opposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when discussing a situation or concept that consists of two opposing parts, such as good vs. evil, male vs. female, or right vs. wrong. For example: "In literature, binary opposition is often used to create two characters who share a stark contrast in personality and views."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"Instead of reducing ourselves to the binary opposition of identity politics, we need to do the exact opposite: multiply our attachments and affiliations, " Shafak writes.

Huffington Post

" Instead of reducing ourselves to the binary opposition of identity politics, we need to do the exact opposite: multiply our attachments and affiliations".

Huffington Post

Profanity is a theological category generated by the binary opposition of sacred and profane.

The Guardian - Opinion

Love is an admission of the power of powerlessness that cuts through the binary opposition of being and not being".

The New Yorker

Rand's anti-government argument rested on another binary opposition, between "producers" who create wealth and "moochers" who feed off them.

The New York Times

In particular, scholars have expanded Orientalism's resolutely binary opposition between west and east into the richer concept of cross-cultural hybridity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Binary oppositions of the north/south kind dominate geopolitical thinking, and not just in England.

The Guardian

It seems the authorities saw the dismantling of binary oppositions as a threat to the state.

The Guardian - Books

"I tend to think in binary oppositions," he said, a quality exemplified by "Nice Work".

The New York Times - Books

Simple binary oppositions like good and evil become altogether murkier propositions.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Binary oppositions don't go far in explaining this intensively globalising world.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "binary opposition", ensure that the two opposing elements are clearly defined and relevant to the context. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "binary opposition" to represent situations that are more nuanced or multifaceted. Over-reliance on this framework can lead to inaccurate or incomplete analysis. Always consider the middle ground and the spectrum of possibilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "binary opposition" functions as a noun phrase that describes a fundamental concept in structuralism and post-structuralism. It signifies a system of two mutually exclusive and opposing categories used to understand and organize thoughts and ideas, as demonstrated in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "binary opposition" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a pair of related terms or concepts that are opposite in meaning. As noted by Ludwig, it's frequently employed in academic, scientific, and news contexts to analyze structures of thought and power dynamics. While alternatives like "dichotomy" or "dualism" exist, "binary opposition" specifically highlights the structural relationship between opposing elements. When using the phrase, be mindful of oversimplifying complex situations and ensure clarity in defining the opposing elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dichotomy

This alternative emphasizes the division into two mutually exclusive categories.

polarization

This alternative highlights the process of division into opposing groups or beliefs.

dualism

This alternative focuses on the philosophical concept of two distinct and irreducible substances or principles.

antithesis

This alternative refers to the direct opposite of something else.

contrasting pair

This alternative emphasizes the juxtaposition of two distinct elements.

conflicting forces

This alternative focuses on the struggle between two opposing powers.

opposite extremes

This alternative emphasizes the furthest possible points on a spectrum.

mutually exclusive options

This alternative highlights the impossibility of both options being true or valid simultaneously.

irreconcilable differences

This alternative focuses on the inability of two parties or ideas to be brought into agreement.

contrary aspects

This alternative emphasizes the opposing characteristics of something.

FAQs

What does "binary opposition" mean?

A "binary opposition" refers to a pair of related terms or concepts that are opposite in meaning. It's often used in philosophy, literature, and linguistics to analyze structures of thought.

How can I use "binary opposition" in a sentence?

You can use "binary opposition" to describe contrasting ideas, such as: "The novel explores the "binary opposition" between good and evil".

What are some alternatives to using "binary opposition"?

Alternatives include "dichotomy", "dualism", or "antithesis" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what fields is the concept of "binary opposition" commonly used?

The concept of "binary opposition" is frequently used in fields such as literary theory, philosophy, linguistics, and cultural studies to analyze underlying structures and meanings.