WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Op*po"nent
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [L. opponens, -entis, p.pr. of opponere to set or place against, to oppose; ob (see Ob-) + ponere to place. See Position.]
Definition : Defn: Situated in front; opposite; hence, opposing; adverse; antagonistic. Pope.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Op*po"nent
Part of Speech : n.
Definition : 1. One who opposes; an adversary; an antagonist; a foe. Macaulay.

2. One who opposes in a disputation, argument, or other verbal controversy; specifically, one who attacks some theirs or proposition, in distinction from the respondent, or defendant, who maintains it. How becomingly does Philopolis exercise his office, and seasonably commit the opponent with the respondent, like a long-practiced moderator! Dr. H. More.

Syn. -- Antagonist; opposer; foe. See Adversary.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913