avversi

Avversi is the masculine plural form of the Italian adjective avverso, which means opposing, hostile, or unfavorable. It is not typically used as a stand-alone noun; the standard noun for an opponent is avversario (plural avversari). The masculine plural adjective avversi agrees with masculine plural nouns (for example, ostacoli avversi), while the feminine plural form is avverse (for feminine plural nouns, such as condizioni avverse).

Etymology and sense: avverso comes from Latin adversus, meaning turned toward or opposed. In Italian, the sense broadened from physical opposition to include figurative opposition and unfavorable circumstances. The word also appears in compounds and fixed phrases, such as effetti avversi in medicine to denote adverse effects.

Usage and contexts: Avversi frequently appears in sports, games, debates, and political or legal language as an adjective describing opposing sides or conditions. For example, si sono incontrati gli avversari in campo, or le condizioni avverse hanno ritardato la gara. In juridical language, one may encounter parti avverse or avversari in lite, though the more common noun for a contesting party is avversario/avversari. The related noun avversità denotes antagonism or adversity.

See also: avversario, avversità, antagonista, oppositore.