Adversariness

/əd'vɜrsərɪnəs/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being an adversary; the characteristic of being hostile, opposing, or competitive.

Etymology

From adversary (from Latin 'adversarius' meaning 'opponent') plus -ness forming an abstract noun. This word compounds the adversarial quality into a measurable trait.

Kelly Says

Adversariness is that special quality where everything feels like a competition—and neuroscience research shows some people genuinely have more of it due to how their brains are wired, making them naturally more combative.

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