Averse

Averse is an adjective describing a strong dislike of or opposition to something, or a reluctance to do something. It is typically used with the preposition to (as in averse to risk or averse to change). The term conveys not just preference but a determined unwillingness or avoidance, and it is generally associated with formal or careful prose rather than casual speech.

Etymology and origin: Averse derives from Old French avers, from Latin aversus, the past participle of avertere meaning to turn away. The sense of turning away from something in a moral, practical, or personal sense developed into the modern use of averse to denote disinclination.

Usage and nuance: Averse is often contrasted with eager or willing. It can describe attitudes toward policies, practices, or experiences. While similar to reluctant or opposed, averse emphasizes a settled stance against a particular option rather than a temporary hesitation. The phrase averse to is standard, though some writers may encounter aversions in related contexts (for example, aversion as a noun).

Related terms: Aversion (noun) refers to a feeling of repugnance or dislike; aversive (adjective) describes something that provokes avoidance or discomfort; avert (verb) means to turn away or prevent. While etymologically linked, avert is not a synonym of averse.

Examples: She is averse to taking risks. The organization is averse to changing its long-standing procedures. Averse to new technology, many older workers preferred the familiar methods.