oppositive

[ uh-poz-i-tiv ]

adjective

, Rare.

1. contrasting or contrary; tending to oppose, especially with regard to attitude or behavior:

   The prime minister took an oppositive stand against the policies proposed by her rivals.

   Irritability and oppositive behaviors, such as defiance or refusal to cooperate, are a symptom of this psychological condition.

2. involving or consisting of opposites:

   Newton's third law requires that all forces exist in oppositive pairs.

   It must have been by the law of oppositive attraction that this man was her chosen partner.

Word History and Origins

Origin of oppositive¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from Latin opposit(us) “set against” (past participle of oppōnere “to set against”; oppose ( def ) ) + -ive ( def )