Oppositional

Oppositional is an adjective used to describe a tendency to oppose or resist; it can characterize a person, behavior, or stance that consistently objects to or challenges others, rules, or norms. In everyday language, oppositional attitudes are not merely disagreements; they imply persistent resistance or defiance in response to prompts or authority.

Originates from Latin oppositus "placed against," from opponere "to set against." The term entered English through historical usage, with the suffix -al forming "oppositional" to describe properties or tendencies related to opposition. It is closely related to the noun opposition and the adjective opposite, but carries a nuance of active resistance.

In psychology, "oppositional" is used in relation to oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), a developmental condition characterized by a pattern of angry mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, and vindictiveness toward authority figures. The term refers to the behavioral tendency, not a diagnosis by itself; assessment considers duration, context, and impairment.

In other contexts, oppositional describes positions, strategies, or actions that oppose a prevailing view or policy. For example, political actors may present an oppositional stance, educational settings may address oppositional behaviors with behavior-management approaches, and debates often involve oppositional arguments. The term emphasizes active resistance rather than mere disagreement.

See also: opposition, oppositional defiant disorder, opposition (politics).