averse
adjective C1
Plain meaning
strongly not wanting to do something
Exam-register meaning
In academic or exam contexts, it means strongly not wanting to do something, usually in a more formal register.
In context
naturalHis response sounded averse, so the conversation became difficult.
examThe passage presents a averse assessment of the policy’s wider consequences.
Common collocations
a averse responseaverse behavioura averse situation
Watch out
Do not use “very averse” automatically; some advanced adjectives already carry a strong meaning or need a more natural intensifier.
Word family
averseness (noun, where natural)aversely (adverb, where natural)