The spelling of the phrase "worked against" is fairly straightforward, with each word pronounced as it appears on the page. The two words are both stressed on the first syllable, with "worked" pronounced as /wɜːkt/ and "against" pronounced as /əˈɡɛnst/. The "w" in "worked" is silent, while the "a" in "against" is pronounced as the schwa sound /ə/. When used together, this phrase means to take action that undermines or opposes a particular goal or objective.
The phrase "worked against" refers to engaging in actions or strategies that hinder or oppose a specific goal, objective, or individual. It implies deliberate efforts aimed at impeding progress, or acting in contradiction to intended outcomes. This expression is commonly used to describe situations in which one party employs methods or strategies that are in direct conflict with another's interests or objectives.
When someone or something is said to have "worked against" a specific cause or individual, it suggests an active resistance or opposition in their actions. This can manifest in various ways, such as spreading negative information, undermining progress, actively obstructing efforts, or implementing counterproductive measures.
The phrase can be applied to a range of contexts, including personal relationships, political campaigns, competitive scenarios, or even inanimate objects. For example, in a sporting event, one team may work against their opponents by implementing defensive tactics or strategies to thwart their scoring opportunities.
Furthermore, "worked against" may also connote unintended consequences resulting from one's own actions or decisions. In such cases, individuals or entities unintentionally hinder their progress or goals due to poor choices or conflicting interests.
Overall, the phrase "worked against" suggests intentional or unintentional opposition or hindrance through actions, decisions, or strategies that are contrary to a desired outcome or objective.
The word "worked against" is a combination of the verb "work" and the preposition "against". Here is the etymology of both words:
1. "Work":
The word "work" originated from the Old English word "weorc", which meant "something done". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "werkan", derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*werg-", meaning "to do".
2. "Against":
The word "against" has roots in the Old English word "ongegn", which meant "opposite" or "in opposition to". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*gagna", derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*ghnḗh₂/ghn̥h₂-", meaning "to strike" or "to kill".