averse
adjective
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Adverse vs. Averse
Many people find themselves confused when faced with the choice between adverse and averse. While these two adjectives have many similarities, they are not used interchangeably.
If you want to describe a negative reaction to something (such as a harmful side effect from medication) or dangerous meteorological conditions (such as a snowstorm), adverse is the correct choice; you would not say that you had an averse reaction to medication or that there was averse weather.
Averse is most commonly followed by the preposition to (as in "she is averse to shellfish"), but not in every case; you can, for example, describe someone as “risk averse." Normally, averse to signifies a degree of dislike and avoidance, but when preceded by the word not (as in “he was not averse to having another drink”), it may be used as a pointedly understated way to express an interest in something.
In short, adverse tends to be used to describe effects, conditions, and results; while averse refers to feelings and inclinations.
Synonyms
- allergic
- antipathetic
Example Sentences
Nathan Baird, cleveland, 19 Aug. 2022 And more generally, why is Emily so averse to the prospect of just … meeting a hot person … and dating them … in a normal way? Jessica Goldstein, Vulture, 23 Dec. 2021 There’s little data, though, on which to base any firm conclusions — partly because the industry itself has become so averse to sharing any financial information. Washington Post, 4 Nov. 2021 Plus, the Free and Clear formula is ideal for the dye-averse. Samantha Benoit, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2022 Her method was not to diagnose madness but rather to engage a commitment, then to build a lifelong tool kit that could be tailored for the shrink averse. Matt Sullivan, Men's Health, 10 Aug. 2022 Low-profile switches can also appeal to those averse to mechanical keyboards' bulky reputation or those who have grown accustomed to laptop-like typing. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 29 July 2022 The Bon Appétit staff rounded up the best hot sauces in this list that caters to the spice-averse and spice-seeker alike. Li Goldstein, Bon Appétit, 8 July 2022 From sheer serums to glowy tinted lotions, even the most sunscreen-averse will find something here to love. Katie Intner, Harper's BAZAAR, 27 May 2022 See More Word History
Latin aversus, past participle of avertere — see avert
1597, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing averse
Kids Definition
averse
adjective
averse
adjective
Synonyms & Similar Words
- allergic
- afraid
- opposed
- reluctant
- antipathetic
- loath
- loathe
- down on
- disinclined
- unwilling
- resisting
- resistant
- opposing
- antagonistic
- hostile
- uncongenial
- loth
- negative
- intolerant
- repelled
- squeamish
- disgusted
- repulsed
- unfriendly
- revolted
- unsympathetic
- turned off
- nauseated
- shocked
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- sympathetic
- tolerant
- friendly
- fond
- understanding
- appreciative
- delighted
- pleased
- charmed
- tickled
- admiring
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of averse are disinclined, hesitant, loath, and reluctant. While all these words mean "lacking the will or desire to do something indicated," averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance.
Although the words disinclined and averse have much in common, disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination.
While in some cases nearly identical to averse, hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.
The meanings of loath and averse largely overlap; however, loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking.
In some situations, the words reluctant and averse are roughly equivalent. However, reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness.