Word origin · etymology
Latin through French.
From oppositio, placing against or opposite. The geometry uses the same opposed-position idea for a half-circle separation.
How we know · epistemology
Angular criterion
The geometry is near half a circle in the chosen coordinate. Reading it as tension or complementarity is a traditional analogy, not a measured conflict between people or forces.
Connected concepts
Mentioned in 2 other entries
These links connect subjects and terminology. They do not establish a shared historical origin.
Sources & provenance
Use the citations beside each section to distinguish a calculation convention, a historical teaching and an editorial example.