directly opposed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "directly opposed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two ideas, opinions, or positions that are in complete disagreement or contrast with each other. Example: "The two political parties have directly opposed views on the issue of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She joins political causes directly opposed to her own.

The New Yorker

Our obsession with measuring things is directly opposed to nature, which is anything but straight.

The New York Times

The authority of elders is directly opposed to the authority of an outside government.

The New Yorker

It was directly opposed by a craze in academe for moralizing discourses — deconstructionist, Marxist, Freudian, feminist.

The New Yorker

"He also was directly opposed to peace negotiations and to the reconciliation process.

The Guardian

He's putting himself in a position where he's directly opposed to where we're going".

The New York Times

Yet the Himba's "bouba" and "kiki" flavor associations were directly opposed to those of European subjects.

The New Yorker

Yet the Himba's "bouba" and "kiki" flavor associations were directly opposed to those of European subjects.

The New Yorker

If he did so, Jesus directly opposed the law of God as given to Moses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This approach was directly opposed to the traditional architectural values of reason and clarity of structure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Contingent agreements provide a way for two directly opposing parties to find common ground.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "directly opposed", ensure that the items being compared are clearly defined and that the opposition is readily apparent to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "directly opposed" when the contrast is subtle or nuanced. This phrase indicates a strong, unambiguous contradiction, and using it in a weaker context can overstate the case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "directly opposed" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a state of strong contradiction or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, demonstrated across a wide array of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

20%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "directly opposed" is a common and grammatically sound way to express strong contradiction or disagreement. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like ""diametrically opposed"" or "in direct conflict" exist, "directly opposed" provides a clear and neutral way to convey fundamental incompatibility. Remember to ensure the opposition is clear and unambiguous when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diametrically opposed

Emphasizes a complete and irreconcilable opposition, stronger than "directly opposed".

irreconcilably opposed

Highlights that the opposition is too great to be resolved.

in direct conflict

Highlights the clash or struggle between opposing forces or ideas.

completely contradictory

Focuses on the logical inconsistency between two statements or ideas.

squarely against

Emphasizes a firm and unambiguous opposition.

sharply contrasted

Focuses on the distinct differences between two things, rather than outright opposition.

utterly contrary

Stresses the complete and absolute disagreement between two things.

fundamentally different

Indicates a deep and basic difference in nature or character.

poles apart

Suggests a great distance or difference between two things.

mutually exclusive

Indicates that two things cannot both be true or valid.

FAQs

How to use "directly opposed" in a sentence?

Use "directly opposed" to show two ideas, opinions, or policies that are in complete disagreement. For example, "The two candidates hold "diametrically opposed" views on healthcare reform."

What can I say instead of "directly opposed"?

You can use alternatives like "in direct conflict", "sharply contrasted", or "completely contradictory" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "directly opposed" or "directly opposing"?

"Directly opposed" is typically used as an adjective, while "directly opposing" is a present participle that can function as an adjective or part of a verb phrase. For example, "They are directly opposed" vs. "They are directly opposing the plan".

What's the difference between "directly opposed" and "strongly opposed"?

"Directly opposed" suggests a fundamental contradiction, while "strongly opposed" implies a firm disagreement but not necessarily a complete contradiction. Something can be "strongly opposed" without being its direct opposite.