Confusable pair · C1
Adverse or averse?
Adverse describes conditions that work against you: adverse weather, adverse effects. Averse describes a person who dislikes something, and it is nearly always followed by to: averse to risk. Adverse attaches to circumstances; averse attaches to people and their preferences.
Which word, and why
- adverse
unfavourable conditions working against you
Harmful or unfavourable.
adverse weather · adverse effects · adverse publicity
- averse
a person who dislikes something — always "averse to"
Strongly disliking or opposed to something.
averse to risk · not averse to a drink
Now use it
5 items from this page. Nothing is saved anywhere but your own browser.
Item 1 of 5
The flight was cancelled because of weather conditions.
Related
C1Credible, credulous or creditable?What is the difference between credible, credulous and creditable?C1Notable or notorious?What is the difference between notable and notorious?B2Empathy or sympathy?What is the difference between empathy and sympathy?B2Assure, ensure or insure?What is the difference between assure, ensure and insure?