Skip to main content

opponent — someone who competes with or fights against another in a contest, game, or argument

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: someone who competes with or fights against another in a contest, game, or argument

Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈpoʊnənt/

Example Sentences

  • My opponent in the debate was so smart that I felt like I was bringing a spoon to a knife fight.
  • The boxer underestimated his opponent and ended up flat on the canvas.
  • In online gaming, my biggest opponent is usually my own internet connection.

opponent

NOUN

[/əˈpoʊnənt/]

someone who competes with or fights against another in a contest, game, or argument

two tennis players stand on opposite sides of the net, both reaching up to hit the same ball. One player stretches forward with determination while the other leans back preparing to return the shot. The ball hovers between them as they compete for the winning point. Sweat drips from both players as they give maximum effort against each other. Spectators in the background lean forward watching the intense rivalry unfold. Other people cheer from the sidelines as the competition reaches its peak. someone who competes with or fights against another in a contest
💡 Concept

two tennis players stand on opposite sides of the net, both reaching up to hit the same ball. One player stretches forward with determination while the other leans back preparing to return the shot. The ball hovers between them as they compete for the winning point. Sweat drips from both players as they give maximum effort against each other. Spectators in the background lean forward watching the intense rivalry unfold. Other people cheer from the sidelines as the competition reaches its peak. someone who competes with or fights against another in a contest

The opponent studied his strategy carefully before the tournament began. (OPPOSITE + CONTESTANT = OPPONENT → the person trying to defeat or resist you)
🧠 Mnemonic

The opponent studied his strategy carefully before the tournament began. (OPPOSITE + CONTESTANT = OPPONENT → the person trying to defeat or resist you)

Every opponent became an important component in improving his movement and skill.
🎵 Rhyme

Every opponent became an important component in improving his movement and skill.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

Start FreeDemo

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/əˈpoʊnənt/
🇬🇧 UK/əˈpəʊnənt/

🌳Etymology

Prefixop--
Rootpon
Suffix--ent

Origin

From Latin opponere, meaning 'to place against' or 'to set opposite'. The word evolved from the practice in ancient Roman gladiatorial combat, where fighters would stand facing each other in direct opposition.

Breakdown

ob- (against) + ponere (to place, put) = opponere (to oppose), from which the agent noun opponent (one who places himself against another) derives.

🎵Rhyme

componentmomenttorrent
component
moment
torrent

🔗Collocations

political opponent
defeat an opponent
tough opponent
face an opponent
worthy opponent
formidable opponent

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My opponent in the debate was so smart that I felt like I was bringing a spoon to a knife fight.”

“The boxer underestimated his opponent and ended up flat on the canvas.”

😄 Fun example

“In online gaming, my biggest opponent is usually my own internet connection.”

“She analyzed her opponent's strategy before the tennis match.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

rivaladversarycompetitorenemyfoe

Antonyms

allypartnerteammate

Related

oppositioncompetecontestmatchbattle

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.

Start for Free60s Demo