Opponent effect
nounop·po·nent ef·fectpronounced uh-POH-nunt eh-FEKT
Last reviewed 16 April 2026
What does the noun Opponent effect mean?
The finding that competing against identifiable real people produces measurably higher arousal and higher bids than competing against anonymous or automated opponents, even when the financial stakes are identical.
How the noun Opponent effect is used
Seeing the other bidders face to face at the auction triggered the opponent effect, making it feel personal and tempting us to bid beyond our limit.
Related words
Cite this entry
MLA citation: "Opponent effect." How to Property, 16 Apr. 2026, https://howtoproperty.com.au/definitions/opponent-effect. Accessed 30 May 2026.
Chicago citation: How to Property. "Opponent effect." Last modified April 16, 2026. https://howtoproperty.com.au/definitions/opponent-effect.
APA citation: How to Property. (2026, April 16). Opponent effect. https://howtoproperty.com.au/definitions/opponent-effect