The difference between Opponent and Respondent
When used as nouns, opponent means one who opposes another, whereas respondent means the person who answers for the defendant in a case before a court. in some legal systems, when one appeals a criminal case, one names the original court as defendant, but the state is the respondent.
When used as adjectives, opponent means opposing, whereas respondent means disposed or expected to respond.
check bellow for the other definitions of Opponent and Respondent
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Opponent as a noun (historical):
One who opposes another; one who works or takes a position against someone or something; one who attempts to stop the progress of someone or something. One who opposes another physically (in a fight, sport, game, or competition). One who opposes another in words (in a dispute, argument or controversy). One who is opposed or objects (to a policy, course of action or set of ideas). The participant who opens an academic debate by putting forward objections to a theological or philosophical thesis.
Examples:
"The person who ran against her in the last election proved to be a formidable opponent."
"During the crackdown, many opponents of the regime were arrested."
"She was a dedicated opponent of the death penalty."
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Opponent as an adjective (obsolete):
Opposing; adverse; antagonistic.
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Opponent as an adjective (obsolete):
Situated in front; opposite.
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Respondent as a noun (legal):
The person who answers for the defendant in a case before a court. In some legal systems, when one appeals a criminal case, one names the original court as defendant, but the state is the respondent.
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Respondent as a noun:
One who responds.
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Respondent as a noun:
The person replying to a questionnaire.
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Respondent as an adjective:
Disposed or expected to respond; answering; according; corresponding.