Understanding Adverse and Averse

Understanding Adverse and Averse

Adverse vs. Averse

Sometimes, words look and sound the same, but they have different meanings. “Adverse” and “Averse” are two of these words. Let’s look at how they are different and how we can remember them.

Word History

“Adverse” and “Averse” both come from Latin. “Adverse” comes from “adversus,” which means “turned against.” “Averse” comes from “aversus,” which means “turned away.”

Though they have similar roots, their meanings changed through time.

How to Use Them

Adverse: This word is often used to describe bad or harmful things.

Example Sentences:

• The storm had adverse effects on the crops.
• Taking too much medicine can have adverse results.
• They faced adverse conditions while climbing the mountain.
• The new law will have adverse impacts on small businesses.
• Adverse weather stopped the flights.

Averse: This word is used to say someone does not like something.

Example Sentences:

• She is averse to eating broccoli.
• He is averse to loud music.
• Their dog is averse to water.
• Some people are averse to change.
• She did not take the job because she is averse to working late hours.

Trick to Remember

One easy way to remember is to think of what they describe:

If it talks about a bad thing, it’s “adverse.” If it talks about not liking something, it’s “averse.”

Summary

“Adverse” means bad or harmful. “Averse” means to not like something. Even though they look almost the same, they have different uses.

Make sure to use “adverse” for bad things and “averse” to show dislike.