adversus Latin · revision 7233

16 Oct 2026, 13:19 by bogdan “New Latin entry (sources: de Vaan, OLD, Lewis & Short, TLL...)” current version
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+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=Cato|origins=la vertō}}
+ 
+ ==Pronunciation==
+ * IPA (Classical): [adˈwɛr.sʊs]^(Wiktionary)
+ * IPA (Ecclesiastical): [adˈvɛr.sus]^(Wiktionary)
+ 
+ ==Forms==
+ '''adversus''' (feminine ''adversa'', neuter ''adversum'', comparative ''adversior'', superlative ''adversissimus''), first/second-declension adjective, also an adverb and a preposition with the accusative (''adversus'', ''adversum'').^(OLD 2012)^(Gaffiot 2016)
+ 
+ ==Etymology==
+ It is the perfect participle of [[advertō]] “to turn towards”.^(OLD 2012)^(Wiktionary)^(Lewis & Short 1879) Plautus, Terence and others have the older ⟨advorsus⟩, and inscriptions ⟨atversus⟩ and ⟨arvorsum⟩.^(OLD 2012) The adverb and preposition ⟨adversus⟩, ⟨adversum⟩ “facing, against” come from the adjective.^(OLD 2012)
+ 
+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==
+ The OLD's earliest citation for the adjective is from Cato, of facing.^(OLD 2012) Köbler's first source for the preposition is Plautus, and for the participle the Law of the Twelve Tables, which he dates about 450 BC.^(Köbler 2010)
+ 
+ ==Semantic evolution==
+ It meant turned towards, facing, opposite, and ''lectus adversus'' was the marriage bed opposite the door, as in Cicero.^(OLD 2012) It meant lying in one's way, mutually opposed, diametrically opposite in astronomy, directed to the front, and of light or wind falling full on something.^(OLD 2012) Wounds ''adversa'' were received in front, facing the enemy.^(OLD 2012) Of slopes it meant rising, ''adversō colle'' “uphill”, and ''adversō flūmine'' “upstream”, and of winds contrary.^(OLD 2012) It meant ranged against in war, hostile, opposed in opinion, of gods and omens unfavourable, and of times and events adverse, so that ''rēs adversae'' meant misfortune, as in Plautus.^(OLD 2012) Pliny uses it of what is contrary in kind.^(OLD 2012)
+ 
+ In Ecclesiastical Latin it meant turned toward, opposite, facing.^(Stelten 1995) [[en|adverse]] came in the late 14th century through Old French ''advers'', and [[en|adversary]] from its derivative ''adversārius''.^(Etymonline)
+ 
+ ==Timeline==
+ * c. 450 BC – The Law of the Twelve Tables has the word, according to Köbler.^(Köbler 2010)
+ * c. 250–184 BC – Plautus uses ''rēs adversae'' and the preposition.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)
+ * 234–149 BC – Cato uses it of facing.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)
+ * 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of contrary winds and hostile opinions.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)
+ * late 14th century – English ''adverse'' is recorded.^(Etymonline)
+ 
+ ==Meanings==
+ ===Adjective===
+ # Turned towards, facing, opposite.^(OLD 2012)
+ # In front; of wounds, received in front.^(OLD 2012)
+ # Rising, uphill; upstream; of winds, contrary.^(OLD 2012)
+ # Opposed in battle; hostile.^(OLD 2012)
+ # Unfavourable, [[m|en|adverse]], ''rēs adversae'', [[m|en|misfortune]].^(OLD 2012)
+ # Contrary in kind.^(OLD 2012)
+ 
+ ===Preposition===
+ # ''(with accusative)'' Facing, opposite.^(OLD 2012)
+ # Towards; to, in the presence of.^(OLD 2012)
+ # Against, in opposition to; contrary to.^(OLD 2012)
+ # With regard to; compared with.^(OLD 2012)
+ 
+ ==Related words==
+ * [[advertō]]
+ * [[adversārius]]
+ * [[vertō]]
+ * [[en|adverse]]
+ * [[en|adversary]]
+ 
+ ==Usage notes==
+ As an adverb, ''adversus'' or ''adversum'' meant facing, opposite, and ''adversum īre'' was to go to meet someone, as in Plautus.^(OLD 2012)^(Gaffiot 2016) A noun ''adversus'' meant an opponent in battle or politics, as in Sallust.^(OLD 2012)
+ 
+ ==References==
+ {{reflist}}