adjective C2 Proficient

averse

uh-VURS

Averse (adjective) means Strongly disliking or opposed to something. Example: “He's not averse to a bit of risk when it comes to investing.”

adjective

Strongly disliking or opposed to something.

"He's not averse to a bit of risk when it comes to investing."

"She has always been averse to public speaking."

How to use averse

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUnwilling or reluctant, often used with "to" or in the phrase "not averse to."

Common mistake

Don't confuse "averse" (unwilling) with "adverse" (harmful or unfavourable, as in "adverse weather").

Easily confused with

adverse →

Common pairings

risk-averse not averse to averse to change

Word forms

more averse comparative, aversed past tense, averses singular, most averse superlative

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He's not _____ to a bit of risk when it comes to investing.

Etymology

From Latin aversus, the past participle of avertere, "to turn away."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for averse

verse inverse reverse adverse diverse immerse universe converse perverse disperse traverse multiverse

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Frequently asked questions

What does “averse” mean?

The word “averse” means strongly disliking or opposed to something. In plain terms, unwilling or reluctant, often used with "to" or in the phrase "not averse to.".

How do you pronounce “averse”?

“Averse” is pronounced uh-VURS (/əˈvɜː(ɹ)s/ in IPA).

How do you use “averse” in a sentence?

Here is “averse” used in a sentence: “He's not averse to a bit of risk when it comes to investing.”

What part of speech is “averse”?

“Averse” is an adjective.

Where does the word “averse” come from?

The word “averse” comes from Latin. From Latin aversus, the past participle of avertere, "to turn away.".

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