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A/Adversary

A/Adversary

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Adversary

An opponent; a foe; an enemy.

noun

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Visual memory aid for Adversary

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Imagine This

During the D-Day anniversary (the landing of the Allied forces on Normandy Beach in World War II), the old surviving soldiers still clearly remember how they bravely fought to defeat their enemy.

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Sounds Like

AD-vər-suh-ree

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Looks Like

Looks like 'adversary' (the word itself) and may be mistaken for 'adverse' due to similar spelling.

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Remember This

Adversary refers to an opposing person; adverse means harmful or contrary. Do not confuse the two.

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Other Forms

adversariesnoun

adversarialadjective

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Connect With

opponent, foe, rival, antagonist, enemy; opposition, conflict

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Note

Use adversary for a person or group who opposes you in conflict or competition. Distinguish from adverse (harmful, unfavorable) and from advocate (one who supports).

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Study Deeper

Examples

In chess, each player carefully studies their adversary's strategy.
The hero faced a cunning adversary who sought to undermine his plans.

Synonyms

opponentfoerivalenemyantagonist

Antonyms

allyfriendsupporter

Etymology

From Latin adversarius 'opponent', from adversus 'against' (toward facing), via Old French adversaire into English adversary.

Mnemonic

Mnemonic: Think of adversary as someone who is against you in a versus (versus) matchup.

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Chary

Cautious or wary; reluctant to take risks or commit to something until one is sure.

Enmity

Hostility; deep-seated ill will or animosity between individuals or groups.

Placid

Calm, peaceful, and not easily excited or upset; describes a tranquil demeanor or setting.

Similar Words

Related words and words with the same part of speech.

Opponent

A person who competes against or opposes someone; an adversary.

Abasement

The act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.

Absurdity

The quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.

Accent

A distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).

Accolade

An honor; a public expression of praise or an award.

Acrimony

Bitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling

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