adversary
UK: ˈædvəsəri | US: ˈædvərseri
n. an opponent or enemy in a conflict, competition, or dispute
adversary = advers<against> + ary<noun suffix denoting person/thing>
- advers: From Latin adversus (turned toward, hostile), combining ad- (toward) + vertere (to turn). Implies opposition or confrontation.
- ary: A suffix forming nouns indicating association (e.g., missionary, dictionary).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin adversarius (an opponent, rival), derived from adversus (hostile). The root vertere (to turn) metaphorically suggests "turning against" someone. Over time, adversary evolved in English (14th century) to broadly denote any opposing party, retaining its combative connotation.
The lawyer faced a skilled adversary in court.
In chess, anticipating your adversary’s moves is crucial.
The team prepared strategies to counter their adversary’s strengths.
Political adversaries often debate fiercely during elections.
Nature can be an unforgiving adversary in survival situations.