oppositen.adj.adv.prep.

Etymology: As noun, partly < Middle French, French opposite that which is opposite or contrary (1314 in Old French), partly < its etymon classical Latin oppositum that which is opposite or contrary, in post-classical Latin also a contrary argument in logic (from 10th cent. in British sources), use as noun of neuter singular of oppositus (see below), and partly < classical Latin oppositus adversary, opponent, use as noun of masculine singular of oppositus (see below). As adjective < Middle French, French opposite situated on the other side, facing (1314 in Old French), contrary, opposed to (late 15th cent.) and its etymon classical Latin oppositus situated on the other side, facing, contrary, contrasted, opposed, hostile, use as adjective of past participle of oppōnere to set against (see oppone v., oppose v.). Compare also apposite adj.With use as noun in astronomy compare post-classical Latin oppositum augis perigee (1267 in a British source), per oppositum in opposition (a1270 in a British source). The form opposet in the following quotations apparently shows alteration for the purposes of rhyme:1595 M. Drayton Endimion & Phoebe sig. D4 Like to a Christall neere the fire set, Against the brightnes rightly opposet.1595 M. Drayton Endimion & Phoebe sig. E4 With frendly Plannets in coniunction set, Or els with other meerely opposet. The Older Scots forms oposit , opposit could perhaps alternatively be interpreted as showing opposed adj. or the past participle of oppose v.