English Lexicon

Loyal Opposition

/ˈlɔɪ.əl ˌɒpəˈzɪʃən/
nounCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #15000 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A political party or group that opposes the current government but remains loyal to the country and its institutions.

    "The loyal opposition played a crucial role in holding the government accountable during the crisis."
  2. 2

    A term used to describe a constructive criticism of the government while maintaining allegiance to the democratic process.

    "In a healthy democracy, the loyal opposition provides necessary checks and balances."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'loyal opposition' originated in the early 20th century, primarily in British politics, to describe a political party that opposes the government but remains loyal to the state. It reflects a democratic principle where dissent is allowed within a framework of respect for the political system.

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