opponent

Definitions

op- (a form of ob-, 'against') + pon (place) + -ent (one who) = 'one placed against you.' Your opponent is the person set up on the other side — across the chessboard, the courtroom, or the debate.

Example Sentences

• 1.

  She studied her opponent's playing style before the match.

• 2.

  He was a fierce opponent of the new tax.

Easily Confused

opponent vs enemy: an opponent simply stands on the other side of a contest, debate, or issue (a tennis opponent, a political opponent) — no hostility implied. enemy implies real hatred or threat. You respect an opponent; you fear an enemy.