adversary

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈædvərsɛri/
• American: AD-ver-sair-ee

Origin

From Latin "adversarius" meaning "opponent, rival, enemy," derived from "adversus" meaning "turned against"

Meanings

1. (noun) A person who fights against or opposes another; an opponent or enemy
2. (noun) The opposite side in a contest, conflict, or dispute
3. (adj) Opposed; hostile

Example Sentences

1. "In the courtroom, the prosecutor became his chief adversary."
2. "Despite being adversaries on the battlefield, they maintained mutual respect."
3. "The two companies were traditional adversaries in the marketplace."

Related Words

• Forms:

  • Plural: adversaries
  • Adjective: adversarial
  • Adverb: adversarially

• Synonyms:

  • opponent
  • enemy
  • rival
  • competitor
  • foe
  • antagonist

Memory Tricks

1. Break it down: "ad" (against) + "verse" (turn) = someone turned against you
2. Think: "adverse" (unfavorable) + "-ary" (person) = person who is unfavorable to you
3. Associate with "versus" (against) - an adversary is someone who is versus you