Meaning of against in English | Powered by Free Dictionary API

preposition

• In a contrary direction to.

  Example: It is hard work to swim against the current.

• In physical opposition to; in collision with.

  Example: The rain pounds against the window.

• In physical contact with, so as to abut or be supported by.

  Example: The kennel was put against the back wall.

• Close to, alongside.

  Example: A row of trees stood against a fence.

• In front of; before (a background).

  Example: The giant was silhouetted against the door.

• In contrast or comparison with.

  Example: He stands out against his classmates.

• In competition with, versus.

  Example: The Tigers will play against the Bears this weekend.

• Contrary to; in conflict with.

  Example: Doing this is against my principles.

• In opposition to.

  Example: Are you against freedom of choice?

• Of betting odds, denoting a worse-than-even chance.

  Example: That horse is fifty-to-one against, so it has virtually no chance of winning.

• In exchange for.

  Example: The vouchers are redeemable against West End shows and theatre breaks.

• As counterbalance to.

• As a charge on.

  Example: Tax is levied against income from sales.

• As protection from.

  Example: He turned the umbrella against the wind.

• In anticipation of; in preparation for (a particular time, event etc.).

  Example: The stores are kept well stocked against a time of need.

• (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.

  Example: 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.

• Exposed to.

conjunction

• By the time that (something happened); before.