An aorist form (with no present tense in use) meaning to speak in opposition or answer back. The verb appears with a dative object to indicate speaking against someone or something, or with a prepositional phrase for the same purpose. It can mean to oppose or contradict, to speak in someone's defense, or simply to utter a word of contradiction. A specialized use involves speaking on both sides of a question in debate. The verb can also carry the negative sense of maligning someone in return.