opponent

/ə'pounənt/

Thân thiện

The chess player studies the board to anticipate her opponent's next move.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A person who competes against or fights another in a contest, game, or argument; a rival or adversary. This is the most common meaning, referring to someone you are directly matched against.
   • A person who disagrees with or resists a proposal, idea, or practice. This meaning focuses on someone who is in opposition, not necessarily in a formal competition.

2. Adjective:

   • Being opposite, as in position. This usage is less common and often formal.
   • Acting in opposition; opposing; adverse; antagonistic. This describes a force, argument, or entity that is actively hostile or contrary.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • In the chess tournament, my first opponent was a grandmaster.
  • She is a fierce opponent of the new tax policy.
  • The boxer knocked out his opponent in the third round.

• Adjective:

  • The two armies held opponent positions on the hill. (Formal)
  • They found themselves on opponent sides of the debate.

Advanced Usage

• "Worthy opponent": An adversary who is skilled and respected, making the competition meaningful.

  • He lost the match, but he praised his rival as a worthy opponent.

• "Political opponent": A standard term for someone from an opposing political party or faction.

  • The senator debated her political opponent on live television.

Variants and Related Words

• Oppose (verb): To be against or resist something.

  • Many citizens oppose the construction plan.

• Opposition (noun): 1. Resistance or dissent. 2. The group of people who oppose something, especially in politics.

  • The proposal met with strong opposition from the community.

• Opposing (adjective): Competing, fighting, or arguing against someone or something.

  • The two leaders held opposing views on the issue.

Synonyms

• Adversary: An enemy or opponent (can imply more hostility).
• Rival: A person competing with another for the same objective.
• Contender: A person or group competing with others to achieve something.
• Foe: An enemy or opponent (more literary or formal).
• Antagonist: A person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something.

Antonyms

• Ally: A person or group that cooperates with another.
• Supporter: A person who approves of and encourages someone or something.
• Proponent: A person who advocates a theory, proposal, or idea.

Related Phrases

• To face an opponent: To compete against or confront a rival.

  • The team will face a tough opponent in the finals.

• To defeat/beat an opponent: To win against a rival.

  • She defeated her opponent by a wide margin.

• Formidable opponent: A very impressive and intimidating rival.

  • His knowledge of the law made him a formidable opponent in court.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. characterized by active hostility
   • opponent (or opposing) armies

Noun

1. someone who offers opposition
2. a contestant that you are matched against

Từ đồng nghĩa

• opposing
• adversary
• antagonist
• opposer
• resister
• opposition
• opposite