adversary
Translation
adversary, opponent, rival
Examples
He was a formidable adversary in the chess match.
He was a formidable adversary in the chess match.
The two politicians were old adversaries.
The two politicians were old adversaries.
Grammar Patterns
((an)) adversary an opponent or enemy He faced a powerful adversary.
Similar Words
Synonyms: opponent, rival, foe; Antonyms: ally, friend
Etymology
From Latin 'adversus' (turned against), from 'ad-' (to, against) + 'vertere' (to turn).
Memory Tips
Think of 'ad-' as 'against' and 'vers' as 'turn'. An adversary is someone who has 'turned against' you.