opponent
Word family nounopponentopponency
op·po·nent /əˈpəʊnənt $ əˈpoʊ-/ ●●● W3 noun [countableC] 1 DSAGAINST somebody IN A GAMEsomeone who you try to defeat in a competition, game, fight, or argument 〔竞争、比赛、打斗、争执等的〕对手,敌手 Graf’s opponent in today’s final will be Sukova. 格拉芙今天的决赛对手将是苏科娃。
leading/main/chief opponent During the primary elections, McCain was Bush’s leading opponent. 初选时,麦凯恩是布什的主要对手。
formidable/worthy opponent In debate he was a formidable opponent. 在辩论时他是一位难以应付的对手。
He is admired even by his political opponents. 他甚至受到政敌的钦佩。
2 AGAINST/OPPOSEsomeone who disagrees with a plan, idea, or system and wants to try to stop or change it 反对者 OPP proponentopponent of Rodgers was not an opponent of the new airport. 罗杰斯并不反对建设新机场。
bitter/vocal/outspoken opponent an outspoken opponent of gun control 直言不讳反对枪支管制的人
n COLLOCATIONS – Meaning 1: someone who you try to defeat in a competition, game, fight, or argumentadjectivessomebody's main/chief opponentWho was her main opponent for the presidential nomination?
a leading opponent (=one of the main opponents)In July the authorities arrested two leading opponents of the government.
a strong/tough opponent (=one that is difficult to defeat)Arizona is a strong opponent, but the Oregon team intend to beat them.
a formidable opponent (=a very strong opponent)In debate, he was a formidable opponent.
a dangerous opponent (=one who might defeat you)In tomorrow's match, he will take on his most dangerous opponent.
a political opponentthe president's political opponents
a worthy opponent (=one who deserves respect)The Democratic Senator has shown himself to be a worthy opponent.
verbsface an opponentThe team were facing their final opponent of the season.
defeat an opponentShe came within three points of defeating her opponent.
outfox/outwit/outmanoeuvre an opponent (=gain an advantage over an opponent by being more intelligent or skilful than they are)Football is all about outwitting your opponents.
n COLLOCATIONS – Meaning 2: someone who disagrees with a plan, idea, or system and wants to try to stop or change itadjectivesthe main/chief opponentone of the new law's main opponents
a leading opponent (=one of the main opponents, often influencing other people)She was a leading opponent of gun control in the Senate.
a strong opponent (=one who feels strongly that a particular thing is wrong and tries to stop it)Brennan was a strong opponent of the death penalty.
a fierce/bitter opponent (=a very strong opponent, who often expresses their opinions angrily)She became well-known as a bitter opponent of slavery.
a vigorous opponent (=one who opposes something with a lot of energy and determination) a vigorous opponent of the use of nuclear weapons
an outspoken/vocal opponent (=one who publicly expresses disagreement with something)He was a vocal opponent of closer relations with the United States.
a vociferous opponent (=one who publicly expresses very strong disagreement)Many residents were vociferous opponents of the plan.
Origin opponent (1500-1600) Latin present participle of
opponere;
→ OPPOSE