Opponent

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /əˈpəʊnənt/

Definitions

1. A person or group that competes against or actively resists another in a contest, conflict, or debate
2. An individual or entity that stands in opposition to another in a competitive scenario, conflict, or discussion
3. A person or organization that challenges or confronts another in a rivalry, struggle, or argument

Etymology: The English noun "opponent" was borrowed from Latin "oppōnēns," the present participle of "oppōnō," meaning "to oppose." The Latin verb was built from "ob," meaning "against" or "in the way of," and "pōnō," meaning "to place." To oppose someone was, quite literally, to put something in their path, and the opponent was the one doing the placing. That physical image of setting an obstacle in front of someone sits underneath every sense the word carries today. A sports rival, a debate partner, or an enemy in a lawsuit is still, at root, someone who places themselves in the way. The word is a direct borrowing, so it kept its Latin shape with little change, which is why it looks so formal to English eyes.

Synonyms: adversary, rival, competitor, challenger, foe

Antonyms: ally, partner, supporter, friend, teammate