Word: against Part of Speech: prep Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₁én Proto-Germanic *in Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰengʰ-der. Proto-Germanic *ganganąder.? Proto-Germanic *gagin Proto-Germanic *in gagin Proto-West Germanic *in gagin Old English onġēander. Middle English ayenes English against Formed from Middle English ayenes, agenes, againes (“in opposition to”), a southern variant of agen, or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic -t was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est. By surface analysis, again + -st (excrescent ending). Cognate with Saterland Frisian juun (“against”), West Frisian tsjin (“against”), Dutch tegen (“against”), German Low German gegen (“against”), German gegen (“against”), Icelandic gegn (“against”). Pronunciation: /əˈɡɛ̟nst/, /əˈɡeɪ̯nst/, /əˈɡɪ̟nst/, /əˈɡe̟nst/, /əˈɡæ̝ɪ̯nst/ 1. In a contrary direction to. Example: It is hard work to swim against the current. 2. In physical opposition to; in collision with. Example: The rain pounds against the window. Example: Ivor had acquired more than a mile of fishing rights with the house ; he was not at all a good fisherman, but one must do something ; one generally, however, banged a ball with a squash-racket against a wall. 3. In physical contact with, so as to abut or be supported by. Example: The ladder was leaning against the wall. Example: The puppy rested its head against a paw. 4. Close to, alongside. Example: A row of trees stood against a fence. Example: We expressed our readiness, and in ten minutes were in the station wagon, rolling rapidly down the long drive, for it was then after nine.[…]As we reached the lodge we heard the whistle, and we backed up against one side of the platform as the train pulled up at the other. 5. In front of; before (a background). Example: The giant was silhouetted against the door. 6. In contrast or comparison with. Example: There is an awesome authenticity in Barrus's voice which, I imagine, is frightening to those who must evaluate art against a one-dimensional standard of political rectitude. Example: He stands out against his classmates. 7. In competition with, versus. Example: The Tigers will play against the Bears this weekend. Example: “[…] it is not fair of you to bring against mankind double weapons ! Dangerous enough you are as woman alone, without bringing to your aid those gifts of mind suited to problems which men have been accustomed to arrogate to themselves.” 8. Contrary to; in conflict with. Example: Doing this is against my principles. Example: It is against the law to smoke on these premises. 9. In opposition to. Example: Are you against freedom of choice? Example: He waged a ten-year campaign against the company that was polluting the river. 10. 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. 11. In exchange for. Example: The vouchers are redeemable against West End shows and theatre breaks. 12. As counterbalance to. 13. As a charge on. Example: Tax is levied against income from sales. 14. As protection from. Example: He turned the umbrella against the wind. Example: Beautie alone is a ſoveraigne remedy againſt feare,griefe,and all melancholy fits; a charm,as Peter de la Seine and many other writers affirme,a banquet it ſelfe;he gives inſtance in diſcontented Menelaus that was ſo often freed by Helenas faire face: and ʰTully, 3 Tusc. cites Epicurus as a chiefe patron of this Tenent. 15. In anticipation of; in preparation for (a particular time, event etc.). Example: The stores are kept well stocked against a time of need. Example: He wrote to a friend of his, that he lived but with browne bread and water, and entreated him to send him a piece of cheese, against [translating pour] the time he was to make a solemne feast. 16. 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. Example: “Hollywood noises” yielded an early $35,000 option against $100,000 if the movie was made. 17. Exposed to. Labels: obsolete