adversary
Meaning: An opponent or enemy, especially in a conflict, contest, or legal proceeding.
Adversary is used across legal, political, military, and literary contexts. In law, the 'adversarial system' describes the English and Welsh model of justice, where two opposing parties present their cases before an impartial judge or jury — as distinct from the 'inquisitorial system' used in continental Europe. In political and diplomatic writing, adversary suggests a more formal or serious opponent than 'rival.' The word carries connotations of sustained opposition rather than casual disagreement. It collocates with 'political,' 'formidable,' 'worthy,' and 'adversarial system.'
Examples
- The barrister proved a formidable adversary in cross-examination, dismantling the prosecution's key witness. 那位大律师在交叉询问中证明自己是一个强劲的对手,逐步瓦解了控方的关键证人。El abogado resultó ser un adversario formidable en el contrainterrogatorio, desarticulando al testigo clave de la acusación.その法廷弁護士は反対尋問において手ごわい対手であることを証明し、検察側の重要証人の証言を崩していった。그 법정 변호사는 반대 심문에서 만만치 않은 상대임을 증명하며 검찰 측 핵심 증인의 증언을 무너뜨렸다.
- The prime minister acknowledged that the opposition leader was a worthy adversary whose arguments deserved serious engagement. 首相承认反对党领袖是一位值得尊敬的对手,其论点值得认真对待。El primer ministro reconoció que el líder de la oposición era un adversario digno cuyos argumentos merecían un compromiso serio.首相は野党党首が敬意に値する対手であり、その主張は真剣に受け止めるべきだと認めた。총리는 야당 대표가 그 주장을 진지하게 받아들여야 할 존경할 만한 상대라고 인정했다.
- Understanding the adversary's strategic objectives is fundamental to effective intelligence analysis. 了解对手的战略目标是有效情报分析的基础。Comprender los objetivos estratégicos del adversario es fundamental para un análisis de inteligencia eficaz.敵対者の戦略的目標を理解することは、効果的な情報分析の基本である。적의 전략적 목표를 이해하는 것은 효과적인 정보 분석의 기본이다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin adversarius (an opponent), from adversus (turned against), from ad- (toward) and vertere (to turn). Entered English through Old French adversarie in the 14th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from General Advanced
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free