Definitions
defy
- To challenge or resist authority, rules, or expectations. - To refuse to obey or comply with something. - To openly confront or oppose something or someone.
- To be against or in disagreement with something or someone. - To actively resist or fight against something or someone. - To express dissent or disapproval of something or someone.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words involve resistance or disagreement.
- 2Both words can be used to describe a stance against something or someone.
- 3Both words can be used in formal or informal contexts.
What is the difference?
- 1Action: Defy implies an active challenge or resistance, while oppose can also include passive disagreement or disapproval.
- 2Intensity: Defy suggests a more extreme or bold form of resistance, while oppose can be less intense or forceful.
- 3Scope: Defy is often used in a more personal or individual context, while oppose can be used in a broader societal or political context.
- 4Connotation: Defy can have a rebellious or defiant connotation, while oppose can have a more reasoned or diplomatic connotation.
- 5Usage: Defy is less common than oppose and may be considered more formal or literary.
Remember this!
Defy and oppose are both verbs that describe resistance or disagreement. However, defy implies a more active and extreme form of resistance, often with a rebellious or defiant connotation. On the other hand, oppose can include both active and passive forms of disagreement, with a more reasoned or diplomatic connotation. Defy is less common and may be considered more formal or literary than oppose.
