adverse/averse

Aside from the one-letter spelling variance, how do averse and adverse differ?

Adverse is negative or unfavorable; it is often used with effect or reaction, as in “an adverse reaction.”

The patient suffered an adverse reaction from the medicine he was administered.

Averse is to be turned off or repulsed by something.

I’m averse to the idea of running a marathon.

Posted in Word Choice.

If you enjoyed this post, sign up to receive updates by RSS feed or e-mail.