aversion
B2formal
Definition
Meaning
A strong feeling of dislike or unwillingness; a wish to avoid someone or something.
A settled dislike that is often linked to a specific person, thing, or activity, sometimes causing avoidance behavior. It can also refer to a formal object of such dislike.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Describes a deep-seated, often instinctive dislike. While 'dislike' is general, 'aversion' implies an intensity that can be emotional or physical (e.g., revulsion).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or use. The word is equally formal in both varieties.
Connotations
None specific to either variety.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in written than spoken English in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
aversion to (doing) somethinghave/feel an aversion to somethingaversion for something (less common)develop an aversionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a pet aversion (a particular thing one strongly dislikes)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to discuss market or investor reluctance (e.g., 'risk aversion').
Academic
Common in psychology, economics (e.g., 'loss aversion'), and literary criticism.
Everyday
Describing strong personal dislikes (e.g., food, chores).
Technical
Specific term in behavioral economics and psychology (e.g., 'aversion therapy').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Not a verb; use 'to be averse to').
American English
- (Not a verb; use 'to be averse to').
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; no direct adverb).
American English
- (Not standard; no direct adverb).
adjective
British English
- (Related adjective is 'averse'). She is averse to taking unnecessary risks.
American English
- (Related adjective is 'averse'). He's averse to discussing his personal life.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have an aversion to loud noises.
- She felt an aversion to the strange food.
- He has a strong aversion to cleaning his room.
- My aversion to horror films means I never watch them.
- The politician's aversion to public speaking was well-known.
- Many people have a natural aversion to the taste of bitter vegetables.
- Her profound aversion to injustice led her to a career in human rights law.
- Investor aversion to volatility caused a sell-off in the markets.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A-VERSION. Imagine getting a 'bad version' of something, which makes you have a strong AVERSION to it.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISLIKE IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (e.g., 'He turned away from it in aversion').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'aversiya' (a rare, specialized medical/biological term).
- The English word is more common and broader, covering emotional dislike.
- It does not mean 'reverse' or 'opposite'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'aversion of' (incorrect preposition; correct is 'aversion to').
- Confusing with 'adversion' (not a word).
- Using it for mild dislikes (it implies strength).
Practice
Quiz
Which preposition most commonly follows 'aversion'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Aversion' is stronger and more formal than 'dislike', often implying an instinctive or emotional reaction that leads to avoidance.
It is exclusively a noun. The related adjective is 'averse', as in 'averse to risk'.
No, it is inherently negative, describing a dislike. The closest positive concept is 'affinity' or 'fondness'.
It's the tendency of investors or individuals to prefer certainty and avoid risks, even if it means accepting a lower potential return.