adversary
/'ædvəsəri/
Definition
Noun: 1. An opponent or enemy in a conflict, contest, or dispute: A person, group, or force that opposes, competes against, or actively resists another. 2. One who offers opposition: An antagonist or rival in a struggle.
Usage
The word "adversary" is a formal term used to describe an opponent, especially in contexts involving conflict, competition, or debate. It often implies active opposition and can be used in both concrete (e.g., a person) and abstract (e.g., a force) senses.
Examples
- Noun:
- In the debate, she proved to be a formidable adversary.
- The chess master studied his adversary's previous games carefully.
- The nation viewed the expanding empire as its primary adversary.
Advanced Usage
- "To have an adversary": To be in a state of opposition with someone or something.
- In his fight for justice, he knew he would have a powerful adversary.
- "To meet one's adversary": To confront or face one's opponent.
- The knight prepared to meet his adversary on the battlefield.
Variants and Related Words
- Adversarial (adj): Involving or characterized by opposition or conflict.
- The talks took an adversarial tone.
- Adversity (n): Difficulties or misfortune; a state of hardship. (Note: This is a related but distinct concept, referring to the difficult situation itself, not the opponent).
- She showed great strength in the face of adversity.
Synonyms
- Opponent: One who competes against or opposes another in a contest or conflict.
- Antagonist: An active opponent or hostile force, often used in narratives.
- Rival: One who strives to equal or surpass another in competition.
- Foe: An enemy, especially in a military context (more poetic or formal than "enemy").
Antonyms
- Ally: A person or group that cooperates with or supports another.
- Friend: A person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.
- Supporter: One who backs or promotes a person, group, or cause.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "Worthy adversary": An opponent who is respected for their skill, strength, or character.
- Although they fought fiercely, each considered the other a worthy adversary.
- "Arch-adversary": A chief or principal opponent.
- The superhero finally confronted his arch-adversary.
Noun
-
someone who offers opposition
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