Averse: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Averse adjective. Strongly disliking something or unwilling to do it.
How to say it
uh-VURSS/əˈvəːs/
2 syllables, stressed on the second (VURSS).
Averse in a sentence
I'm not averse to a long lunch on a Friday.
Investors who are risk-averse keep their money in bonds.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- opposed
- reluctant
- disinclined
- unwilling
Opposite:
- keen
- willing
- eager
Usage note
Averse describes a person's dislike (averse to risk); adverse describes harmful things (adverse effects). If it's a feeling, it's averse.
Don’t confuse with adverse
adverse (adjective): Harmful or unfavourable.
Where averse comes from
From Latin aversus, turned away.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Investors who are risk-_____ keep their money in bonds.
- complaisant
- continuous
- averse
Show the answer
averse: Investors who are risk-averse keep their money in bonds.