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English

risk-averse

|risk/a/verse|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˈrɪsk əˌvɜrs/

🇬🇧

/ˈrɪsk əˌvɜːs/

avoiding risk

Etymology
Etymology Information

'risk-averse' originates from the combination of 'risk' and 'averse', where 'risk' refers to the possibility of loss or danger, and 'averse' means having a strong dislike or opposition.

Historical Evolution

'Averse' comes from the Latin word 'aversus', meaning 'turned away'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, 'averse' meant 'turned away', but in combination with 'risk', it evolved to mean 'having a strong dislike for risk'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

having a low tolerance for risk; preferring to avoid risk.

Investors who are risk-averse tend to choose bonds over stocks.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45