averse

adjective

\ ə-ˈvərs

Definition of averse

: having an active feeling of repugnance, dislike, or distaste —usually used with to She was not averse to taking chances.He seems to be averse to strenuous exercise. —commonly used in compounds both with and without a hyphen a conservative risk-averse investora crowd averse teen

Other Words from averse Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Adverse vs. Averse Example Sentences Learn More about averse

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Choose the Right Synonym for averse

disinclined, hesitant, reluctant, loath, averse mean lacking the will or desire to do something indicated. disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination. disinclined to move again disinclined for reading hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty. hesitant about asking for a date reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness. a reluctant witness loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking. seems loath to trust anyone averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance. averse to hard work not averse to an occasional drink

Adverse vs. Averse

Many people find themselves confused when faced with the choice between adverse and averse. While these two adjectives have many similarities, they are not used interchangeably.

If you want to describe a negative reaction to something (such as a harmful side effect from medication) or dangerous meteorological conditions (such as a snowstorm), adverse is the correct choice; you would not say that you had an averse reaction to medication or that there was averse weather.

Averse is most commonly followed by the preposition to (as in "she is averse to shellfish"), but not in every case; you can, for example, describe someone as “risk averse." Normally, averse to signifies a degree of dislike and avoidance, but when preceded by the word not (as in “he was not averse to having another drink”), it may be used as a pointedly understated way to express an interest in something.

In short, adverse tends to be used to describe effects, conditions, and results; while averse refers to feelings and inclinations.

Examples of averse in a Sentence

I'm not averse to broccoli if it's cooked right.

Recent Examples on the Web

The demands of having just one screen, and having to fill all those seats made for programming that was risk-averse. — John Leland, New York Times, "The Last Single-Screen Theater in New York Goes Dark," 1 Sep. 2019 There’s a decent chance that Malzahn, now calling all the offensive plays in an official capacity, will be risk-averse with Nix in his college debut, hoping to avoid game-losing mistakes. — Christopher Smith, al, "Sharp bettors hammer Auburn-Oregon under," 30 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'averse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for averse

averse

adjective

\ ə-ˈvərs

Kids Definition of averse

: having a feeling of dislike He is averse to exercise.

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averse

Definition of averse

Other Words from averse

Synonyms for averse

Choose the Right Synonym for averse

Adverse vs. Averse

Examples of averse in a Sentence

First Known Use of averse

History and Etymology for averse

Kids Definition of averse

averse

Definition of averse

Other Words from averse

Synonyms for averse

Choose the Right Synonym for averse

Adverse vs. Averse

Examples of averse in a Sentence

First Known Use of averse

History and Etymology for averse

Kids Definition of averse

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