对立

• Pinyin: duì lì
• Hanzi breakdown: 对 (opposite) + 立 (stand)

Meaning

To oppose; to be in conflict; antagonism. A state of opposition or contradiction between two sides.

Used for ideological conflicts, opposing factions, contradictory concepts, or interpersonal conflicts. Common in philosophy (对立统一 - unity of opposites), politics, and describing relationships.

Examples

1. 他们俩的观点完全对立，很难达成一致。 Their viewpoints are completely opposed — it's hard to reach an agreement.
2. 我们应该避免人为制造对立情绪。 We should avoid artificially creating antagonistic emotions.
3. 劳资双方的对立最终通过谈判得到了缓解。 The antagonism between labor and management was eventually eased through negotiation.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, politics, conflict

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 双方观点对立。(The two sides hold opposing views.)
• 不要制造对立。(Don't create antagonism.)

Don't Say

• '对立'强调根本性矛盾——普通分歧或不同意见用'分歧'或'不同意'更恰当 (对立 emphasizes fundamental contradiction — for ordinary disagreements, 分歧 or 不同意 is more appropriate)

Origin & History

Compound of 对 (facing, opposite) + 立 (stand), meaning to stand in opposition.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal