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Opponents Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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opponents

[ษ™หˆpษ™สŠnษ™nts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a competition

A person who competes against another in a contest, game, or argument.

Synonyms

adversary, competitor, rival.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
opponents

Suitable for describing individuals or teams in a competition, debate, or conflict where they are on opposing sides.

  • The basketball game was intense, with both opponents playing their best
  • During the debate, his opponents challenged his views vigorously
adversary

Typically used to denote a more serious or significant enemy, often in a conflict, battle, or a strategic context. The term carries a stronger sense of opposition.

  • In the movie, the hero had to face his greatest adversary
  • He considered his main business adversary to be a formidable challenge
rival

Used to describe someone who competes closely with another, often implying a more personal or ongoing competition. Can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation.

  • She has been my academic rival since high school
  • The two tech giants are fierce rivals in the smartphone industry
competitor

Primarily used in business, sports, or any competitive environment to describe someone who is competing for the same goal or prize.

  • They have always been our toughest competitor in the market
  • The competitors lined up at the start of the race

Examples of usage

  • He easily defeated his opponents in the chess tournament.
  • The boxer's opponents were no match for his strength and skill.
Context #2 | Noun

in politics

A person or group that is against something or someone.

Synonyms

enemy, foe, opposition.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
opponents

This is often used in sports or games to refer to the individuals or teams competing against each other.

  • In the final match, our opponents played very well
  • During the chess tournament, he had to face many tough opponents
opposition

Used to refer to a group or a body of people that is against another group, often in political or formal debates.

  • The new policy faced strong opposition from the public
  • In the parliament, the opposition party disagreed with the proposal
foe

A more formal or literary term for enemy, often used in books, movies, or formal speeches.

  • In ancient tales, the hero must overcome the mighty foe
  • Despite being lifelong foes, they found common ground
enemy

This word has a strong, often negative connotation, referring to someone who is actively hostile or opposed to someone else, often used in the context of war or personal conflict.

  • During the war, they considered each other as enemies
  • He saw her as an enemy after the betrayal

Examples of usage

  • The senator's opponents criticized his policies and decisions.
  • The political party's opponents organized a protest against the new law.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In sports, understanding opponents can be key to strategy, as teams study each other's strengths and weaknesses before a match.
  • The term is often used in competitive contexts, like chess, where players learn to anticipate their opponents' moves.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that competition with opponents can improve motivation and performance, pushing individuals to achieve more.
  • Cognitive biases can affect how people view their opponents, leading to underestimating or overestimating their abilities.

Culture

  • In literature and film, protagonists often face clear opponents, creating conflicts that drive the story forward.
  • Historical narratives frequently illustrate how opponents shape each otherโ€™s development and growth over time.

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discussions about ethics, opponents can represent contrasting viewpoints, helping to explore the complexity of moral issues.
  • Debates often revolve around opponents presenting their arguments, illustrating the importance of dialogue and argumentation in society.

Origin of 'opponents'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'opponere,' which means 'to place against,' showing its roots in opposition and conflict.
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially used in legal contexts to describe rival parties in a case.

The word 'opponents' originated from the Latin word 'opponere', which means 'to set against'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. Over time, 'opponents' has been commonly used to refer to individuals or groups who are in opposition or competition with each other.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,800 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.