The phrase "run against" is spelled with the letter 'r' followed by the vowel sound 'ʌ' as in "cup". The consonant sound of 'n' is then followed by the vowel sound 'ə' as in "a", and then the consonant sound of 'g' and the sound of the conjunction 'ən' as in "again". The full IPA phonetic transcription for "run against" is /rʌn əˈɡɛnst/. This phrase is commonly used in discussing political races, such as when a candidate "runs against" another candidate in an election.
Run against (phrasal verb):
1. To compete in an election against someone or for a specific position, especially in a political context. It refers to the act of offering oneself as a candidate against an incumbent or other opponents for a particular office or position. Often used in the context of running for political offices, such as mayor, governor, or president. The term implies a direct competition to secure voters' support and achieve victory by defeating the opposing candidates.
2. To encounter or face opposition or competition, usually in a non-political context. This phrase denotes any competitive situation where there is an act of running parallel to someone or something, striving to outperform or surpass the opposing entity. It can be applied in various contexts, such as business, sports, or personal challenges, where individuals or teams strive to demonstrate superiority or win against formidable opponents.
In both senses, the term "run against" emphasizes the idea of engaging in a competitive race or contest, where individuals or entities compete for victory or achievement. It implies a direct comparison or clash between two or more parties, where the outcome depends on their relative abilities, strategies, or performance.
The word "run" in this context comes from the Old English word "rinnan", which means "to flow, to move quickly, or to hurry". It evolved into "run" in Middle English and has retained its meaning of moving quickly or engaging in a race or contest.
The term "against" originates from the Old English word "ongegn", which means "toward" or "in the opposite direction". Over time, it evolved into the Middle English word "agen", which later transformed into "against". "Against" refers to opposition or conflicting with something or someone.
When combined, "run against" refers to the act of competing or contesting an opponent in a race, election, or other competitive situations.