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opposing purposes

[/əˈpoʊzɪŋ ˈpɜrpəsɪz/]
noun phrase
propósitos opostos
1. conflicting or contradictory goals, intentions, or objectives that work against each other
The two organizations had opposing purposes, making collaboration difficult.
As duas organizações tinham propósitos opostos, dificultando a colaboração.
2. aims or reasons that are contrary or mutually exclusive in nature
They worked at cross purposes with opposing purposes that led to project failure.
Eles trabalharam com propósitos opostos que levaram ao fracasso do projeto.
Synonyms
conflicting objectivescontradictory goalscontrary aimscompeting purposesmutual cross purposes
Antonyms
aligned purposesshared goalscommon objectivescompatible aimsunified purposes

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
propósitos opostos
Most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
objetivos conflitantes
Alternative, slightly more formal
Portugal
propósitos opostos / fins contraditórios
Both terms used; 'fins contraditórios' slightly more formal

Related Idioms & Phrases

at cross purposes
working at odds
pulling in different directions
em sentidos contrários
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