Averse | Definition of averse by Merriam-Webster

Definition of AVERSE

: having an active feeling of repugnance or distaste —usually used with to <averse to strenuous exercise>

— averse·ly adverb

— averse·ness noun

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Origin of AVERSE

Latin aversus, past participle of avertere

First Known Use: 1597

Related to AVERSE

Synonyms: allergic, antipathetic

Synonym Discussion of AVERSE

disinclined, hesitant, reluctant, loath, averse mean lacking the will or desire to do something indicated. disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination <disinclined to move again> <disinclined for reading>. hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty <hesitant about asking for a date>. reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness <a reluctant witness>. loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking <seems loath to trust anyone>. averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance <averse to hard work> <not averse to an occasional drink>.

Rhymes with AVERSE

adverse, amerce, asperse, coerce, commerce, converse, cutpurse, disburse, disperse, diverse, dry nurse, free verse, immerse, inverse, Nez Percé, obverse, perverse, rehearse, reverse, scrub nurse, sesterce, submerse, transverse, traverse, wet nurse

Definition of AVERSE for Kids

: having a feeling of dislike <He is averse to exercise.>

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "averse"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "averse"

Nglish: Translation of "averse" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "averse" for Arabic speakers

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