apposition
A grammatical arrangement in which two nouns or noun phrases are placed side by side, with the second element serving to identify, explain, or rename the first. It allows for the addition of descriptive detail or clarification without the use of a relative clause or coordinating conjunction.
Examples
3 of 5My brother, a talented chef, is cooking dinner tonight.
My brother, who is a skilled professional cook, is preparing the meal this evening.
The CEO, Ms. Thompson, addressed the board regarding the recent merger.
The chief executive officer, specifically Ms. Thompson, spoke to the directors about the company joining.
That guy, the one in the red hat, is my neighbor.
That man, specifically the person wearing the red hat, lives next door to me.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Add-Position': you are adding a second noun in the same grammatical position to explain the first one.
Quick Quiz
In the phrase 'My friend Sarah,' the name Sarah is in ________ with the word 'friend'.
Correct!
The correct answer is: apposition
Examples
My brother, a talented chef, is cooking dinner tonight.
everydayMy brother, who is a skilled professional cook, is preparing the meal this evening.
The CEO, Ms. Thompson, addressed the board regarding the recent merger.
formalThe chief executive officer, specifically Ms. Thompson, spoke to the directors about the company joining.
That guy, the one in the red hat, is my neighbor.
informalThat man, specifically the person wearing the red hat, lives next door to me.
The Great Barrier Reef, a complex biological system, faces significant ecological threats.
academicThe Great Barrier Reef, which is a complicated network of living organisms, is under environmental danger.
Our latest product, the X-Gen Tablet, will launch next month.
businessOur newest item for sale, the X-Gen Tablet, is scheduled for release next month.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
used in apposition
functioning as a clarifying noun placed next to another
explanatory apposition
the act of adding a phrase to explain a previous term
close apposition
the placement of two nouns together without using commas
Often Confused With
Opposition means conflict, resistance, or being against something, while apposition is a grammatical term for placing words side-by-side.
Position refers to the location or placement of an object generally, whereas apposition is the specific side-by-side relationship of two nouns.
Usage Notes
In standard English grammar, appositives are usually set off by commas unless they are 'restrictive' (meaning the sentence wouldn't make sense or the identity wouldn't be clear without them). It is also used in medical contexts to describe the fitting together of two surfaces, like wound edges.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is omitting commas when providing extra, non-essential information (non-restrictive apposition), which can occasionally change the meaning of the sentence.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Add-Position': you are adding a second noun in the same grammatical position to explain the first one.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'appositio', meaning 'a putting to' or 'addition', derived from 'apponere' (to set alongside).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
In the phrase 'My friend Sarah,' the name Sarah is in ________ with the word 'friend'.
Correct!
The correct answer is: apposition
Related Words
multicentcide
C1To systematically destroy or neutralize multiple core centers of operation, power, or biological activity within a single system. This term is often used in specialized strategic or scientific contexts to describe a targeted attack on all vital hubs simultaneously to ensure total system collapse.
enspecty
C1To examine a subject, document, or object with extreme precision and exhaustive detail, often to ensure it meets rigorous quality standards. It implies a more intrusive and systematic level of investigation than a standard inspection, typically performed by a specialist or auditor.
multiaudate
C1To simultaneously monitor, listen to, or process multiple streams of audio information or diverse vocal perspectives. It is typically used in technical or academic contexts to describe the high-level cognitive act of filtering and analyzing concurrent auditory inputs.
homohydrward
C1Describing a biological or chemical movement or tendency toward maintaining internal fluid consistency or moving toward a moisture source with identical properties. It refers to a directional state where the primary driver is the achievement of uniform hydration equilibrium.
antilaterary
C1A noun referring to a position, point, or entity located on the exact opposite side of a central axis, midline, or reference point. It is used in specialized logic and spatial reasoning contexts to describe counter-positioning or mirror-image placement.
mishospcy
C1Describes a quality of being ungracious or providing poor hospitality, specifically characterized by a lack of genuine warmth or a failed attempt at being welcoming. It is used to label environments or behaviors that feel cold, awkward, or subtly hostile despite an expectation of care.
ungeoary
C1Describes something that lacks geographical characteristics or is independent of physical location and spatial terrain. It is often used in abstract or digital contexts where physical boundaries and coordinates are irrelevant.
dearchism
C1A structural or philosophical approach characterized by the rejection of hierarchy, centralized authority, or a singular dominant 'arch' (rule). It advocates for decentralized, horizontal organization where power and focus are distributed evenly across a system.
coclauddom
C1The state or condition of being collectively shut away or secluded in a shared environment. It refers to a group or community that exists within a self-contained, closed space, often by choice or social necessity.
synprivward
C1A synprivward is a specialized protocol or linguistic barrier used to safeguard sensitive information during collaborative data exchanges. It acts as a protective layer that synchronizes privacy standards across different entities to prevent unauthorized access while maintaining group workflow.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free