averse
/ə'və:s/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having a strong feeling of opposition, dislike, or reluctance: Describes a person who is strongly disinclined or opposed to something, often due to a feeling of distaste or unwillingness.
- Having an active feeling of repugnance or dislike: Implies a settled, often instinctive, dislike or opposition.
Usage
The adjective "averse" is typically used to describe a person's attitude or feeling toward a specific thing, action, or idea. It is almost always followed by the preposition "to" (e.g., averse to risk). In more formal or literary contexts, it can sometimes be followed by "from," but "to" is standard in modern English. It describes a deep-seated reluctance rather than a mild preference.
Examples
- Adjective:
- He is not averse to trying new foods. (He is willing to try new foods.)
- She is risk-averse and prefers stable investments. (She has a strong dislike for financial risk.)
- I am averse to the idea of working on weekends. (I am strongly opposed to the idea of weekend work.)
Advanced Usage
- "Not averse to": A common phrasing used to express a willingness or lack of opposition, often with a slightly ironic or understated tone.
- He wasn't averse to a little gossip now and then. (He was somewhat willing to engage in gossip.)
- "Averse from": An older, more formal construction that is now rare. The modern standard is "averse to."
- He was not averse from making his opinions known. (He was not reluctant to state his opinions.)
Variants and Related Words
- Aversion (n): A strong feeling of dislike or opposition.
- She has a strong aversion to crowds.
- Averseness (n): The state or quality of being averse (less common than "aversion").
Synonyms
- Opposed: In conflict with or hostile to an idea.
- Disinclined: Unwilling or reluctant.
- Loath / Loth: Reluctant or unwilling (often used in the phrase "nothing loath" meaning quite willing).
- Reluctant: Unwilling and hesitant.
- Antipathetic: Having a natural opposition or aversion.
Antonyms
- Favorable: Showing approval or preference.
- Inclined: Having a tendency or willingness.
- Keen: Eager or enthusiastic.
Idioms and Phrases
- Risk-averse: A compound adjective describing a person or strategy that seeks to avoid financial or other risks.
- The company adopted a risk-averse strategy during the recession.
Adjective
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(usually followed by `to') strongly opposed
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antipathetic to new ideas
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averse to taking risks
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loath to go on such short notice
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clearly indisposed to grant their request
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