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adversary

Noun

IPA /ˈædvəsəri/

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Meaning in plain English

Someone who competes or fights against another person or group.

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Pronunciation

adversary/ˈædvəsəri/

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One debater argues for a proposal
The other argues against it

Each debater is the other's adversary in the contest, even if they are friends outside it.

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Although they were fierce chess adversaries, they became close friends.
She prepared carefully for the arguments her debate adversary might use.

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She prepared carefully for the arguments her debate ________ might use.

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adversary — Someone who competes or fights against another person or group.

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Someone who competes or fights against another person or group.

Compare: Although they were fierce chess adversaries, they became close friends.

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Word origin

Through Old French from Latin adversarius, meaning an opponent or someone opposed.

Did you know?

The plural is adversaries: change the final y to ies.

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