oppositional
UK[ˌɒpəˈzɪʃənəl]US[ˌɑːpəˈzɪʃənəl]
adj
Relating to or characterized by opposition, resistance, or antagonism.
adj
(Psychology) Denoting a style of behavior, typically in children, characterized by a pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant actions toward authority figures.
Morpheme Breakdown
op
posit
ion
al
op
against
posit
place, set
ion
al
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'oppositional' is built upon the core concept of placement in opposition. Its journey begins with the Latin verb 'ponere', meaning 'to place'. The past participle stem 'posit-' (placed) combined with the prefix 'ob-' (against) formed 'opponere', meaning 'to set against'. This evolved into the noun 'oppositio' (a placing against) in Late Latin. Entering English via Old French, the noun 'opposition' was formed, describing the state or action of resisting or being set against something. The adjective-forming suffix '-al' was then appended, creating 'oppositional' to describe anything characterized by this state of active resistance or antagonism.
Analysis
Structure: op (against) + posit (place, set) + ion + al (adjective suffix)
- op: A form of the Latin prefix 'ob-', meaning 'against', 'toward', or 'in the way of'. It functions as a directional or oppositional prefix.
- posit: From Latin 'ponere' (to place, put, set). In this form, it is a past participle stem, meaning 'placed' or 'set'.
- ion: A Latin-derived suffix forming nouns of action or state.
- al: A Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning 'of, relating to, or characterized by'.
Examples
The candidate adopted an oppositional stance on the proposed legislation.
Oppositional defiant disorder is a childhood behavioral condition.
Her oppositional viewpoint sparked a lively debate within the committee.