Against
/əˈɡeɪnst/noun
In opposition to; contrary to.
Did you know?The word 'against' comes from Old English 'on gean,' meaning 'in the direction of' but evolved to signify conflict and opposition, echoing ancient struggles.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*gāna
“to go or proceed towards.”
Old English
Old English
ongēan
“against, in opposition.”
Middle English
Middle English
againe
“in opposition, back.”
14th Century
Middle English
againe
“in conflict; in opposition to.”
Modern English
Modern English
against
“to confront or oppose.”