Etymology Map
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Adverse

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means harmful; unfavourable

Where does the word "adverse" come from? It comes from Latin adversus, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
adversus
Latin · ancient
"turned against"
'ad-' plus 'vertere', to turn
2
Stage 2 of 2
adverse
English · 1300s
"hostile"
first recorded before 1393 in the work of the poet John Gower, who wrote in French and Latin as well as English; 'adversary' shares the root
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Read the full story

Adverse’s story begins in Latin: adversus meant “turned against.” 'ad-' plus 'vertere', to turn. It reached English by 1300s as adverse. First recorded before 1393 in the work of the poet John Gower, who wrote in French and Latin as well as English; 'adversary' shares the root. Today, adverse means harmful; unfavourable.