Words / C1

ADV-uh-s-uh-ree/ˈædvəsəri/

An adversary is a person or group you oppose in a contest or dispute: a political adversary, face an adversary. Opponent is the close twin; ally sits opposite; enemy is hotter and more total. An auditor is a counterpart with a file, not a villain to be spun.

Meaning

A person or group you are opposing in a contest, conflict, or dispute.

Examples

• “Treat the auditor as a counterpart, not an adversary to be spun.”
• “Opponent is the close twin. Rival is often commercial. Foe is literary. Spin is comms. A findings letter is evidence. Answer the finding; do not cast the auditor as the plot.”

Good to know

An opponent. Close: opponent. Hotter: enemy. Opposite flavour: ally. An auditor is a counterpart, not a villain.

Near in meaning

opponent

New