How to pronounce opponent
Say it like uh-POH-nunt. Opponent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (POH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce opponent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- POH
- nunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Opponent pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- POHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- nuntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of opponent
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: uh-POH-nunt.
What does opponent mean?
- a contestant that you are matched against
- someone who offers opposition
- characterized by active hostility“opponent (or opposing) armies”
Where does opponent come from?
Borrowed from Latin oppōnēns (“opposing”), present active participle of oppōnō (“to oppose”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with opponent
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of opponent.
Questions about saying opponent
How do you pronounce opponent?
Say uh-POH-nunt. The American pronunciation is /əˈpoʊnənt/. In British English it is /əˈpəʊnənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in opponent?
Opponent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (POH). Broken into parts: uh · POH · nunt.
Is opponent pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /əˈpəʊnənt/ (uh-POH-nunt).