Word
adversary
Phoneticsad·ver·sary
US/ˈædvɝˌsɛɹi/
UK/ˈædvəsəɹi/
Countable noun
Definition
n. an opponent or enemy in a fight, game, or argument. You use this word for someone you are actively competing against.
n. an opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute. Often implies a long-standing or formidable opposition rather than a temporary rival.
Examples
“The boxer respected his adversary after the long match.”
“In the final round of the debate, she faced her most difficult adversary yet.”
“The two political leaders had been adversaries for decades, yet they maintained a level of mutual respect that allowed for occasional diplomatic breakthroughs.”
Examples
simple
“The boxer respected his adversary after the long match.”
contextual
“In the final round of the debate, she faced her most difficult adversary yet.”
complex
“The two political leaders had been adversaries for decades, yet they maintained a level of mutual respect that allowed for occasional diplomatic breakthroughs.”
Usage
Frequently paired with adjectives like 'formidable', 'worthy', or 'old'.
Real-World Examples
“The war in Iran and the ever-present threat of White House tariffs, directed at both US adversaries and allies, have destabilised global energy markets and has often left the global economy guessing the future.” “But what I’m concerned about is that we’re sending a message of weakness to our primary adversaries.” Etymology
From Middle English adversarie, from Anglo-Norman aversaire (in Wace's Life of Saint Margaret) and Old French aversier, aversaire (French adversaire), from Latin adversārius, from adversus (“turned toward”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/adversary