adversary
/ˈædvərsɛri/
noun
Origin
Latin
adversarius — turned against, opposing
Overview
Meaning Now
- An opponent or enemy, especially in a contest, conflict, or dispute.
- A person or group that is against another.
Literal older meaning
one who is turned against
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
adversarie
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The word traces back to the Latin concept of being 'turned towards' someone in a hostile manner. By the late Middle Ages, it was commonly used in both legal and theological contexts to describe someone acting as an antagonist in court or the spiritual embodiment of evil.
Evolution
- Latin
adversus
“turned toward, unfavorable”
Past participle of advertere.
- Latin
adversarius
“opponent”
Substantive use of the adjective.
- Old French
adversaire
“opponent, enemy”
Borrowed from Latin.
- Middle English
adversarie
“opponent, enemy”
Direct loan from Old French.
Connections
Word parts
ad-
prefix
to, toward
vers
root
turn
-ary
suffix
one who is
Related across languages
French
adversaire
opponent
Spanish
adversario
opponent
Italian
avversario
opponent
Related words
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Related to adversary
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.