adversary
adversary
Pronunciation
/ˈæd.vər.sɛ.ri/
ad - /æd/
/æ/ - The vowel sound in "cat" or "trap".
/d/ - The voiced stop consonant as in "dog".
ver - /vər/
/v/ - The voiced fricative consonant as in "van".
/ər/ - The r-colored vowel as in "bird" or "nurse" (in non-rhotic accents, this would be /ə/).
sa - /sɛ/
/s/ - The voiceless fricative consonant as in "sun".
/ɛ/ - The vowel sound in "bed" or "dress".
ry - /ri/
/r/ - The approximate consonant as in "red".
/i/ - The vowel sound in "fleece" or "happy" (often realized as a reduced vowel, like /ɪ/, in unstressed syllables).
Word Form Variations
Singular: adversary
Plural: adversaries
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1 (Formal): A person, group, or force that opposes or attacks; an enemy or opponent.
Synonyms: opponent, enemy, foe, rival, antagonist, contender, challenger
Antonyms: ally, friend, supporter, advocate, collaborator
Definition 2 (Less Formal): Someone engaged in a competition or struggle. This definition can apply even if the struggle isn't necessarily hostile.
Synonyms: competitor, rival, challenger, opponent
Antonyms: partner, teammate, collaborator
Definition 3 (Figurative): Something that hinders or obstructs progress or success. This could be a circumstance, an internal struggle, or even an abstract concept.
Synonyms: obstacle, hindrance, impediment, challenge, difficulty, setback
Antonyms: advantage, benefit, aid, assistance, opportunity
Examples of Use
Books:
"He knew his adversary was cunning and ruthless, a master strategist who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals." (Fictional example, demonstrating common usage in narrative)
"In 1984, the protagonist Winston Smith struggles against the ultimate adversary: the totalitarian state." (Analysis of George Orwell's 1984, highlighting a figurative use of "adversary")
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"The two political parties remain fierce adversaries on nearly every major issue." (News article about political opposition) (Hypothetical example, reflecting common news reporting)
"Cybersecurity experts warn that ransomware attacks pose a significant threat, with malicious actors acting as adversaries seeking financial gain." (Tech news article discussing cyber threats) (Hypothetical example, reflecting common reporting on cybercrime)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"In the film Rocky IV, Rocky Balboa faces his most formidable adversary yet: the Soviet boxer Ivan Drago." (Description of a film's plot)
"The video game Street Fighter pits players against a series of powerful adversaries in one-on-one combat." (Description of a video game's premise)
"On the reality TV show Survivor, contestants compete against each other, becoming temporary adversaries in the quest for the million-dollar prize." (Description of a reality TV show's format)
General Public Discourse:
"During the trial, the lawyer presented evidence to demonstrate that the witness was an adversary of the defendant." (Discussion of a legal proceeding) (Hypothetical example, reflecting common legal terminology)
"Some people view social media platforms as adversaries in the fight against misinformation, while others see them as essential tools for communication." (Discussion of a contemporary social issue) (Hypothetical example, reflecting common public discourse)
"My biggest adversary in achieving my fitness goals is myself – overcoming my own procrastination and lack of motivation." (Personal statement about a personal challenge) (Example of a more figurative, introspective use of the word)
10 Famous Quotes Using Adversary
"Love your adversary, for he teaches you resilience." — Matthew 5:44
"Every adversary you meet is a test of your character." — Nelson Mandela
"An honest adversary is better than a false friend." — Martin Luther King Jr
"Know your adversary, and you need not fear a hundred battles." — Sun Tzu
"Even in debate, an adversary sharpens your intellect." — Socrates
"Power turns an ally into an adversary when principle is lost." — Barack Obama
"The strongest adversary is the voice within." — Freud
"In politics, today’s adversary may be tomorrow’s partner." — John F. Kennedy
"The truth has no adversary but denial." — James Baldwin
"Adversary is a role, not a person." — Unknown
Etymology
The word "adversary" comes from Latin, specifically the word adversarius. Think of it like building blocks:
ad-: This prefix means "to" or "toward." Like in "advance" (move forward to something).
versus: This word means "turned against" or "opposite." Think of "versus" in a sports match—one team turned against the other.
-arius: This is a suffix that makes the word a noun, often referring to a person.
So, put it all together: adversarius literally means "one turned against" or "one who is against (you)."
The first known uses of the word in English, back in the 14th century, were very similar to its Latin origin. It meant an opponent, an enemy, or someone who is against you in a contest or struggle. It has kept this core meaning throughout its history. There hasn't been a significant shift in its definition. It's always been about someone or something opposing you.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Adversary
Phrases (Less Common/More Formal):
A worthy adversary: This phrase implies respect for one's opponent, even in disagreement. It suggests that the adversary's skill and strength make the competition more meaningful.
The adversary within: This phrase refers to internal struggles or self-doubt that act as obstacles to one's own progress. It's a more figurative use.
To face one's adversary: This phrase suggests a direct confrontation or challenge.
Adversary in court: This phrase is used in legal contexts to refer to the opposing party in a lawsuit.
Idioms Using Synonyms (For Similar Effect):
To lock horns with (someone): This idiom, using "opponent" as a synonym, means to engage in a conflict or argument.
To be at loggerheads (with someone): This idiom, implying strong disagreement, is similar to being adversaries.
To go head to head (with someone): This idiom suggests a direct competition or confrontation, similar to facing an adversary.
To cross swords (with someone): This idiom means to argue or fight with someone.
To have it out (with someone): This idiom means to have a frank discussion or argument to resolve a conflict, often with an opponent or adversary.
Original/Figurative Phrases:
My greatest adversary is procrastination: This is a more personal and figurative use, where "adversary" represents an internal struggle.
Success is my adversary; it keeps me on my toes: This uses "adversary" in a slightly paradoxical way, where the very thing one strives for also presents challenges.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of adversary from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
