Adverse / averse

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Adverse / averse Written by Rachel G (10/22/2008 6:40 a.m.) in consequence of the missive, How much of a difference does the letter d make in 'adverse'?, penned by Tom P2

My dictionaries agree with you that "adverse" conveys a more active sense of opposition than averse.

I checked Chambers, Shorter OED and Webster's1828. (Couldn't get the search function to give me the definitions in Johnson's 1805) Apart from instances where the meanings of the two words overlap, they came up with the following:

Adverse: Acting in opposition to; Actively hostile.

Averse: Turned away in mind or feeling; dislike; reluctant; disinclined.

So yes, adverse is the stronger word. Despite Anne's apparent acceptance that Wentworth will marry Louisa, and her enjoyment of Benwick's and Mr Elliot's company, her feelings are >b>actively opposed to any man except one.

BTW, thanks for the LOL "jowl-flapping Brrrr!" image. There's nothing like the endorphin hit of a good laugh with my breakfast! ;-D

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Her feelings were still adverse to any man save one? Huh? JanELT (10/21/2008 10:24 p.m.)

Mr Elliot "was not open." Rachel G (10/22/2008 1:45 p.m.)
- Sincerity vs. politeness Mia I. (10/22/2008 2:03 p.m.)
  - I second that! *nfm* MarianneR (10/22/2008 3:16 p.m.)
Indeed! Cheryl (10/21/2008 11:59 p.m.)
- How well does this mirror Susan L (10/23/2008 2:46 a.m.)
  - Is this the quote you're thinking of? Line (10/23/2008 9:39 a.m.)
    - Yes, this is it Susan L (10/24/2008 12:03 a.m.)
      - the first and the last of the description Kathryn Ann (10/24/2008 11:36 a.m.)
    - But he doesn't think that Anne Elliot has a strong mind. Graciela (10/23/2008 6:40 p.m.)
      - The converse could've been true :-)   JanELT (10/23/2008 7:47 p.m.)
        
        Exactly so...   Moni (10/24/2008 5:25 a.m.)
        
        What a good thought!   MarianneR (10/24/2008 3:21 a.m.)
    - For I have thought on the subject more than most Kathryn Ann (10/23/2008 10:32 a.m.)
      - My view... Rae (10/23/2008 6:00 p.m.)
- That is sad :-) JanELT (10/22/2008 12:37 p.m.)
- How much of a difference does the letter d make in 'adverse'? Tom P2 (10/22/2008 2:14 a.m.)
  - Adverse / averse Rachel G (10/22/2008 6:40 a.m.)

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