noun
adversary
AD-vuh-seh-ree
noun
1
An opponent or rival, especially one you compete or fight against.
"The chess champion faced her toughest adversary in the final round."
"The two companies have been adversaries in the market for a decade."
How to Use Adversary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA rival or opponent, often a serious or long-standing one.
Common mistake
Don't mix up the noun adversary (a person/opponent) with the adjective adverse (unfavorable, as in "adverse weather").
Easily confused with
Word Forms
adversaries plural
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The chess champion faced her toughest _____ in the final round.
Etymology
From Old French aversaire, from Latin adversārius, built on adversus, "turned against."