adversary
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “adversary” mean?
adjective.one's opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute.
SAT Usage
This term often appears in contexts involving competition, conflict, or moral dilemmas, particularly in literature, history, or political discussions. It emphasizes not just opposition but also the idea of a significant challenge or threat, distinguishing it from similar words like "rival," which may imply a more equal standing or less intense animosity.
Common Confusions
Adversary implies a significant opponent in a conflict, while rival usually suggests a competitor of equal standing or less intense opposition.
Do not choose adversary if the context emphasizes friendship or cooperation rather than one's opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute.
Example Sentences
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He prepared to fight his adversary.
Word Parts: How to Remember “adversary”
Break “adversary” into its parts: ad- (to, toward). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
ad-to, toward (Latin)