Note: The prevailing usage now is to employ to after averse and its derivatives rather than from, as was formerly the usage. In this the word is in agreement with its kindred terms, hatred, dislike, dissimilar, contrary, repugnant, etc., expressing a relation or an affection of the mind to an object.
Syn. — Averse, Reluctant, Adverse. Averse expresses an habitual, though not of necessity a very strong, dislike; as, averse to active pursuits; averse to study. Reluctant, a term of the of the will, implies an internal struggle as to making some sacrifice of interest or feeling; as, reluctant to yield; reluctant to make the necessary arrangements; a reluctant will or consent. Adverse denotes active opposition or hostility; as, adverse interests; adverse feelings, plans, or movements; the adverse party.
AVERSE
A*verse", v. t. & i.
Defn: To turn away. [Obs.] B. Jonson.
AVERSELY
A*verse"ly, adv.
1. Backward; in a backward direction; as, emitted aversely.
2. With repugnance or aversion; unwillingly.
AVERSENESS
A*verse"ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being averse; opposition of mind; unwillingness.
AVERSION
A*ver"sion, n. Etym: [L. aversio: cf. F. aversion. See Avert.]