opposing

Opposing is the present participle and an attributive adjective derived from the verb oppose. It denotes that two or more parties, forces, ideas, or positions are in conflict, contradiction, or active resistance to one another. As an adjective, opposing describes the relationship of being in opposition, as in opposing teams, opposing viewpoints, or opposing counsel. As a verb form, opposing describes the action of resisting or countering.

Common uses include sports, where opposing teams are on opposite sides; law, where opposing counsel represents the other party; politics or debates, where opposing viewpoints are contrasted; and science or engineering, where opposing forces act in opposite directions to affect motion or equilibrium.

Etymology: oppose comes from Latin oppositus, from ob- 'toward' + ponere 'to place', via Old French opposer, with the present participle opposing forming in English in the early modern period.

Notes on meaning: Opposing can express simple disagreement, active resistance, or a physical opposition of forces. It often contrasts with terms like agreeing, supporting, or favorable. In rhetoric and argumentation, opposing viewpoints are counterpoints that challenge a thesis, while in logistics or design, opposing components may work against each other to produce balance or control.

See also: opposition, opponent, oppose.