Basic Details
Word: Adversarial
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Related to being against someone or something; involving opposition or conflict.
Synonyms: Opposing, antagonistic, hostile
Antonyms: Friendly, cooperative, supportive
Idioms and Phrases
- Adversarial relationship: A relationship characterised by conflict and opposition. Example: "Their adversarial relationship made it hard for them to work together on the project."
- Playing the adversarial role: To take on a position of opposition or resistance during a discussion or debate. Example: "In the debate, she was playing the adversarial role to ensure all viewpoints were considered."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The adversarial nature of the court case made it difficult for the two parties to come to an agreement.
Example 2: In an adversarial environment, team members often feel stressed and unwilling to share their ideas.
Example 3: Although they had an adversarial relationship, they managed to reach a compromise in the end.
Fun Fact
The word "adversarial" comes from the Latin word "adversarius," meaning "opponent" or "enemy." It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe conflicts and oppositional situations.
Famous Quote
"An adversarial relationship is a resource drain, and it detracts from personal and professional growth." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "adversarial" mean?
a) Friendly
b) Related to being against something
c) Helpful
d) Joyful
Answer: b) Related to being against something
2. Which of these is a synonym of "adversarial"?
a) Supportive
b) Opposing
c) Cooperative
d) Friendly
Answer: b) Opposing
3. Which word is an antonym of "adversarial"?
a) Hostile
b) Antagonistic
c) Supportive
d) Opposing
Answer: c) Supportive
4. Which sentence uses "adversarial" correctly?
a) The adversarial debate ended with a handshake of friendship.
b) They have an adversarial relationship that influences their decisions.
c) The adversarial dog played with the children happily.
d) The adversarial cake was delicious and sweet.
Answer: b) They have an adversarial relationship that influences their decisions.
5. What does the idiom "playing the adversarial role" mean?
a) Taking on a supportive position
b) Working as a team
c) Being in opposition during a discussion
d) Showing kindness
Answer: c) Being in opposition during a discussion
