Adversing

/ædˈvɜr.sɪŋ/ verb

Definition

The present participle of 'adverse' as a verb; the act of opposing or turning against (archaic).

Etymology

From the archaic verb 'adverse' (to oppose) + '-ing' suffix. This form is virtually unused in modern English, representing an older verbal usage where 'adverse' could actively describe the action of opposing rather than just the state of being opposed.

Kelly Says

Most '-ing' words we use describe active actions, but 'adversing' is probably older than the '-ing' form on most other Latin-derived opposition words, showing how word forms can become outdated long before the root disappears.

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