adversity

UK: ədˈvɜːsəti | US: ədˈvɜːrsəti

Definition

  1. n. a difficult or unpleasant situation

  2. n. misfortune or hardship

Structure
advers <against>ity <noun suffix>
Etymology

adversity = advers<against> + ity<noun suffix>

  • advers: From Latin adversus (turned toward, hostile), combining ad- (toward) + vertere (to turn). Implies opposition or conflict.
  • ity: A noun-forming suffix from Latin -itas, indicating a state or condition.

Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin adversitas, meaning "opposition" or "hostility." The root adversus (turned against) reflects the idea of facing challenges head-on. Over time, adversity evolved in English (14th century) to denote persistent hardship, emphasizing resilience in the face of opposition.

Examples

  1. She overcame great adversity to achieve her goals.

  2. Financial adversity forced him to rethink his career.

  3. The team’s unity grew stronger in times of adversity.

  4. Historical figures often rise to prominence through adversity.

  5. Adversity can reveal a person’s true character.