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averse

/əˈvʌrs/
/əˈvʌs/
IPA guide

Other forms: aversely

To be averse to something is to be opposed to it on moral, philosophical or aesthetic grounds: my father is averse to people wearing shoes in the house, but he would not be averse to people wearing house slippers.

Averse comes from a Latin word, aversus, which means "turned away from." To be averse to something is to shun it, turn away from it, or dislike it. Some people are averse to the use of cilantro in any food that comes near them, some others are averse to wearing itchy wool sweaters, and others are averse to any form of exercise. Aversions are really very personal.

Definitions of averse
  1. adjective
    (usually followed by `to') strongly opposed
    averse to taking risks”
    disinclined
    unwilling because of mild dislike or disapproval
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘averse'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Commonly confused words

adverse / averse

Adverse and averse are both turn-offs, but adverse is something harmful, and averse is a strong feeling of dislike. Rainstorms can cause adverse conditions, and many people are averse to rain.

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