fundamental opposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental opposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep-seated or essential disagreement or conflict between two ideas, beliefs, or entities. Example: "The fundamental opposition between the two political parties has led to a stalemate in the legislative process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

A: I don't necessarily see fundamental opposition.

The New York Times - Health

The most fundamental opposition in the copyright wars is between creators and consumers.

The New Yorker

The Anglo-Saxon legal system rested on the fundamental opposition between folkright and privilege.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For a century or more, the two groups – one anti-racist; one explicitly racist – have been in fundamental opposition.

Independent

"We do not have a fundamental opposition to genetically modified food," said Mr. Fischler at a press conference today.

The New York Times

He called the Galileo case one in which "a tragic, reciprocal incomprehension was interpreted as the reflection of a fundamental opposition between science and faith".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The danger of new media is not so much whether the content is corrupting or enlightening, the problem is that it eats away at all of our fundamental oppositions between truth and reality, technology and nature, self and other, and memory and perception.

Huffington Post

With his State of the Nation address, Orbán again unmistakably positioned himself as the central opposition to the fundamental values of the current European status quo.

Vice

With his State of the Nation address, Orbán again unmistakably positioned himself as the central opposition to the fundamental values of the current European status quo – European integration, liberal democracy, and "multicultural" societies.

Vice

There are many who bring an understandable passion to the new debate over capital punishment that arises from their fundamental moral opposition to the penalty itself.

The New York Times

Neither vision of feminism challenges the fundamental conceptual oppositions that serve to rationalize and legitimate women's subordination.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fundamental opposition" to describe disagreements that are central to the core beliefs or values of the involved parties. This phrase is suitable when the conflict is not superficial but deeply ingrained.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental opposition" for minor disagreements or preferences. Reserve it for situations where the conflicting views are deeply entrenched and significantly impact the involved parties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental opposition" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in English. It describes a deep, underlying conflict or disagreement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamental opposition" is a valid and commonly used phrase to describe deep-seated disagreements rooted in core beliefs or values. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for formal contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. When writing, ensure that the conflict you're describing truly reflects a "core conflict" and not just a superficial difference. Using more precise synonyms like "essential disagreement" or "basic antagonism" can enhance clarity. Remember to reserve "fundamental opposition" for significant, deeply ingrained conflicts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core conflict

This alternative emphasizes the central and essential nature of the conflict.

essential disagreement

This phrase highlights the disagreement as being crucial and deeply rooted.

basic antagonism

This suggests an inherent and underlying hostility.

root conflict

This option highlights the origin and base of the opposition.

primary clash

Focuses on the initial and foremost nature of the conflict.

deep-seated conflict

Emphasizes how deeply rooted and difficult to resolve the conflict is.

irreconcilable differences

Highlights the inability to find common ground or agreement.

inherent contradiction

Focuses on a contradiction that is naturally existing and inseparable.

diametrical opposition

This option means a complete or exact opposition.

complete divergence

Emphasizes the point where things stop meeting or sharing something.

FAQs

How to use "fundamental opposition" in a sentence?

You can use "fundamental opposition" to describe a deep, irreconcilable disagreement. For example, "There is a "fundamental opposition" between their political ideologies."

What can I say instead of "fundamental opposition"?

Alternatives include "core conflict", "essential disagreement", or "basic antagonism", depending on the specific context.

Is "fundamental opposition" formal or informal language?

"Fundamental opposition" is generally considered formal or neutral language, suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "fundamental opposition" and "strong disagreement"?

"Fundamental opposition" implies a deeper, more irreconcilable conflict than a "strong disagreement". It suggests that the disagreement is rooted in core beliefs or values.