Adverse or Averse?
What Is the Difference between "Adverse" and "Averse"?
The Quick Answer
Adverse
(adjective) "harmful" or "hostile"- I cannot work in such an adverse environment.
Averse
(adjective) "against" or "unwilling to."- John is averse to long meetings.
Quick Test on "Adverse" and "Averse"
It's your go. Select the correct one:Using "Adverse"
"Adverse" is an adjective. It means "antagonistic," "opposing," "harmful," "hostile," or "unfavorable" (unfavourable ).Example sentences:
- I cannot operate in such adverse conditions.
- Adverse conditions including rain, snow, ice and fog affect your visibility.
- He is not responsible for the adverse events in your life.
Using "Averse"
"Averse" is used with "to." It means "against," "strongly disinclined to," "unwilling to," or "loath to." (Most often, it refers to people.)Example sentences:
- Sarah has always been averse to smoking. (Note that "averse" is used with "to.")
- Are you averse to hunting?
- The company staff are averse to change.
Synonyms of "Adverse"
The most commonly used synonyms for "adverse" are "hostile," "unfavourable," and "harmful." Here are some examples of "adverse" aligned to those synonyms in sentences:- Hostile. They endured adverse weather conditions.
- Unfavorable. Your decision will have an adverse impact.
- Harmful. Strong coffee has an adverse effect on me.
Synonyms of "Averse"
Three common synonyms of "averse" are "disinclined," "unwilling," and "loath." These carry different strengths of negativity. Here are some examples in sentences:- Disinclined. I am averse to swimming in the bay. (Averse is not always a strong idea. It can imply hesitancy due to uncertainty.)
- Unwilling. She is averse to meeting you again. (Averse can imply a reluctance.)
- Loath. I am averse to working with that clown. (Averse can imply repugnance.)
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