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adversary
/ˈæd.vɚ.sɛr.i/
opponent
The chess player studied her adversary's past matches to anticipate her strategy.
The example shows how someone analyzes their opponent's previous games to prepare for a match.
formal
A person or group that opposes or attacks another.
In the courtroom, the defense attorney faced a formidable adversary in the prosecutor.
The defense lawyer had to contend with a strong opponent representing the prosecution.
The hero's adversary in the epic poem is a powerful sorcerer.
The main character's opponent in the story is a sorcerer with great magical abilities.
Commonly used in legal, literary, or competitive contexts to describe a rival or enemy.
Collocations
formidable adversarya strong or challenging opponentlegal adversaryan opponent in a court case
Synonyms
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Tone
Use 'adversary' in formal writing or discussions (e.g., law, literature, or strategy). For casual contexts, 'opponent' or 'rival' may sound more natural.
Gold Rule
Avoid Redundancy
Do not pair 'adversary' with 'enemy' unless emphasizing a formal relationship (e.g., 'legal adversary and enemy of the state').
Word Origin
From Latin *adversarius* ('opponent, enemy'), derived from *adversus* ('turned against, opposed'), from *ad-* ('to, toward') + *vertere* ('to turn'). The word entered English in the 14th century with the same meaning.
Usage Notes
While 'adversary' can mean 'enemy,' it often implies a more formal or structured opposition (e.g., in legal or competitive settings) rather than personal animosity. Avoid using it casually for minor disagreements.
Word Breakdown
ad-
to, toward
prefix-vers-
turn
root-ary
pertaining to
suffixEnglish Dictionary