vocabulary - Adverse or averse?



I have been thinking about these two words for quite a while. I have looked up the dictionary on these two words and it seemed as if the two words are not identical. However, there are claims of the two words being easily misunderstood. So, I would like to know what exactly are the differences between the two words(if any). A sample sentence would also be appreciated.



Answer



While they are both adjectives, averse is having a strong feeling of opposition, antipathy, repugnance, etc.


In contrast, adverse is:



  1. unfavorable or antagonistic in purpose or effect: adverse criticism.

  2. opposing one's interests or desire: adverse circumstances.

  3. being or acting in a contrary direction; opposed or opposing: adverse winds.

  4. opposite; confronting: the adverse page.


In short: Someone would feel averse about something. Something would be adverse.



I am averse to poverty. Dilbert's friend, Wally, is averse to work of any kind.


Poverty is an adverse circumstance. The Pointy-Haired Boss provides a hailstorm of adverse criticism.



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