English dictionary
against
prepositionPronunciation
/əˈɡeɪnst/
/əˈɡɛ(ɪ)nst/
/əˈɡɛnst/
Audio pronunciation
Parts of speech
Definitions
preposition
- In a contrary direction to.
- In physical opposition to; in collision with.
- In physical contact with, so as to abut or be supported by.
- Close to, alongside.
- In front of; before (a background).
- In contrast or comparison with.
- In competition with, versus.
- Contrary to; in conflict with.
- In opposition to.
- Of betting odds, denoting a worse-than-even chance.
- In exchange for.
- As counterbalance to.
- As a charge on.
- As protection from.
- In anticipation of; in preparation for (a particular time, event etc.).
- (Hollywood) To be paid now in contrast to the following amount to be paid later under specified circumstances, usually that a movie is made or has started filming.
- Exposed to.
conjunction
- By the time that (something happened); before.
Example sentences
It is hard work to swim against the current.
The rain pounds against the window.
The kennel was put against the back wall.
A row of trees stood against a fence.
The giant was silhouetted against the door.
He stands out against his classmates.
The Tigers will play against the Bears this weekend.
Doing this is against my principles.
Are you against freedom of choice?
That horse is fifty-to-one against, so it has virtually no chance of winning.
The vouchers are redeemable against West End shows and theatre breaks.
Tax is levied against income from sales.
He turned the umbrella against the wind.
The stores are kept well stocked against a time of need.
The studio weren't sure the movie would ever get made, so they only paid $50,000 against $200,000. That way they wouldn't be out very much if filming never began.