opposing values

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opposing values" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe values or beliefs that are in conflict or contrast with each other. Example: "The debate centered around the opposing values of individual freedom versus collective responsibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"Strength and wisdom are not opposing values".

The New York Times

The groups with opposing values continue to offend each other.

Yale University

Bill Clinton told us that "strength and wisdom are not opposing values".

The New York Times

Political elections have become wars fought by candidates with opposing values.

The New York Times

Best Passive-Aggressive Attack on President Bush: Former President Bill Clinton, who declared, "Strength and wisdom are not opposing values".

The New York Times

In a sense, Petit h is about finding harmony between two opposing values — those of perfection and imperfection.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It's a way of life against an opposing value.

The New York Times

Arguably, such an addiction policy might challenge the opposing value basis of the minority.

European Journal of Futures Research

Consider two opposing value statements.

HuffPost

Like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, Knausgaard and Ferrante are equal geniuses whose books embody opposed values.

The New Yorker

The shock value of slang stems largely from the verbal transfer of the values of a subculture to diametrically opposed values in the dominant culture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "opposing values" to illustrate ideological divides in political or social discourse. For example, discussions on economic policy often highlight "opposing values" related to individual liberty and social welfare.

Common error

Avoid using "opposing values" when you simply mean that people have different opinions on a matter. "Opposing values" implies a fundamental conflict in core beliefs, not just a disagreement on a specific issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opposing values" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "opposing" modifies the noun "values". It describes values that are in conflict or contrast with each other. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opposing values" is a common and correct way to describe conflicting beliefs or principles, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, highlighting its relevance in discussions about ethics, politics, and societal divides. While alternatives like "conflicting values" or "contradictory values" exist, "opposing values" effectively conveys the idea of fundamental disagreement in core beliefs. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a conflict in core values rather than a simple difference in opinions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicting values

Emphasizes the clash or incompatibility between different values.

contradictory values

Highlights the logical inconsistency between values.

divergent values

Suggests that values are moving in different directions or diverging from a common point.

antagonistic values

Implies an active opposition or hostility between values.

incompatible values

Focuses on the inability of values to coexist or be harmonized.

contrasting values

Highlights the differences and distinctions between values.

differing values

A more neutral way of stating that values are not the same.

competing values

Emphasizes the rivalry or struggle between values for prominence or acceptance.

irreconcilable values

Stresses the impossibility of bringing values into agreement or harmony.

mutually exclusive values

Indicates that the existence of one value precludes the existence of the other.

FAQs

How can I use "opposing values" in a sentence?

You can use "opposing values" to describe situations where different beliefs or principles clash. For example, "The conflict arose due to the "opposing values" held by the two groups".

What's a good alternative to "opposing values"?

Alternatives include "conflicting values", "contradictory values", or "divergent values", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "opposed values" instead of "opposing values"?

While "opposed values" is grammatically correct, "opposing values" is more commonly used to describe values that are in conflict. "Opposed values" might suggest values that are simply against each other without necessarily implying an active conflict.

What is the difference between "opposing values" and "different priorities"?

"Opposing values" refers to a fundamental disagreement in core beliefs or principles, whereas "different priorities" simply means that individuals or groups place more importance on certain things than others. Values are deeper and more ingrained than priorities.