Langimage
English

adversative

|ad-ver-sa-tive|

C1

🇺🇸

/ədˈvɜːrsətɪv/

🇬🇧

/ədˈvɜːsətɪv/

expressing contrast

Etymology
Etymology Information

'adversative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'adversativus,' where 'adversus' meant 'turned against.'

Historical Evolution

'adversativus' transformed into the French word 'adversatif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'adversative' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'turned against,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'expressing opposition or contrast.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

expressing opposition or contrast.

The adversative conjunction 'but' is used to show contrast between two ideas.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/05/15 14:51