Opponent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
opponent
[ษหpษสnษnt ]
Definitions
in a competition
A person who competes against or fights with another in a contest, game, or argument.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| opponent |
Used primarily in situations of direct conflict or competition where someone is actively opposing someone else. Common in sports, debates, or legal contexts.
|
| adversary |
Similar to 'opponent', but often used in more serious, formal, or dramatic contexts. It can imply a significant challenge or enmity.
|
| rival |
Denotes someone who competes with another person or group in the same field or area of interest. Often implies a closer or more personal competition than 'competitor'.
|
| competitor |
Mainly used in business, sports, or any contest where multiple parties aim for the same prize or goal. It does not necessarily imply direct conflict, but rather striving for the same outcome.
|
Examples of usage
- He was a tough opponent to beat in the chess tournament.
- She faced a formidable opponent in the final debate.
- The team's main opponent in the league is known for their strong defense.
in a conflict
A person or group that opposes or resists another in a conflict, battle, or struggle.
Synonyms
antagonist, enemy, foe.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| opponent |
Typically used in competitive situations such as sports, debates, or elections to describe someone who is on the opposite side.
|
| enemy |
Used to describe someone who harbors strong dislike or hatred and poses a threat. It has a strong negative connotation.
|
| foe |
A somewhat old-fashioned or poetic term for an enemy. It can be used in formal writing or to add dramatic effect.
|
| antagonist |
Often used in literature or drama to describe a character who opposes the protagonist. It can also apply to real-life situations where someone actively opposes another's efforts.
|
Examples of usage
- The rebels saw the government as their main opponent in the civil war.
- Our company's biggest opponent in the market is a well-established competitor.
- The political party's opponents criticized their economic policies.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sports
- In sports, opponents push each other to improve by providing a challenge during competitions.
- Prominent sports rivalries, like those in soccer or baseball, often feature legendary opponents whose matchups are highly anticipated.
Psychology
- Facing an opponent in competitions can heighten stress but also improve performance through the 'challenge effect'.
- Research shows that friendly rivalries can motivate people to work harder and reach their goals.
Literature
- In literature, opponents often symbolize internal conflict, where a character battles their own beliefs or desires.
- Classic stories frequently feature heroes and their opponents as essential elements, driving the plot forward.
Pop Culture
- Movies often depict opponents in dramatic duels, like in sports films where the journey to victory is highlighted.
- Video games frequently pit players against each other, making 'opponents' a central theme in multiplayer experiences.
Origin of 'opponent'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'opponent' comes from the Latin 'opponens', which means 'setting against'.
- It has been used in English since the late 14th century, originally describing someone who resists or fights back.
The word 'opponent' originated from the Latin word 'opponere', which means 'to set against'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to someone who opposes or competes with another. The concept of opponents is deeply rooted in human history, from sports competitions to political conflicts.