The term ‘adversative’ is commonly used in linguistics to describe a type of conjunction that expresses a contrast or opposition between two clauses or ideas. Adversative conjunctions are often used to indicate a shift in the direction of a text, and they can help to create a sense of tension or conflict between different parts of a sentence or discourse.
Definitions
Adversative is an adjective that describes something that is contrary, opposing, or in conflict with something else. In grammar, an adversative conjunction is a word or phrase that connects two clauses or phrases and indicates a contrast or opposition between them. Adversative conjunctions are often used to create a sense of tension or conflict between different parts of a sentence or discourse.
Origin
The term ‘adversative’ comes from the Latin word ‘adversus’, which means ‘against’ or ‘opposing’. The word has been used in English since the 17th century to describe something that is contrary or opposing.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, adversative means “expressing opposition or contrast”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “relating to or expressing opposition or contrast”. Collins English Dictionary describes it as “indicating opposition or contrast between two statements”.
Associations
Adversative conjunctions are often used in academic writing to create a sense of contrast or opposition between different parts of a text. They can also be used in creative writing to create a sense of tension or conflict between characters or ideas. Adversative conjunctions are commonly used in English, but they can also be found in other languages such as French, German, and Spanish.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of adversative include contrasting, opposing, contrary, antithetical, and conflicting.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of adversative include agreeing, concurring, supporting, and affirming.
The same root words
Some words that share the same root as adversative include adversity, adversary, and adverse.
Example Sentences
- I wanted to go to the beach, but it started raining.
- He’s a great musician, but he can be quite difficult to work with.
- She’s a vegetarian, whereas her husband loves to eat meat.
- The book was interesting, although it was a bit long.
- I enjoy traveling, but I hate packing.