Involving or characterized by conflict or opposition; having the nature of an adversary or opponent.
From Latin adversarius meaning 'opponent,' from adversus (turned against), combining ad- (toward) and vertere (to turn). The legal system adopted this term to describe proceedings where opposing sides present their cases.
Adversarial relationships are like adverse weather - both come from 'adversus' meaning 'turned against,' so adversarial people have turned against you like a storm!
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