aversion

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "aversion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a strong feeling of dislike or distaste for something. For example, "John had an aversion to seafood which prevented him from trying anything from the menu."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

DH Society's increasing obsession with retro evidences a popular culture that has more or less run out of ideas; well, that and the aversion of those doing its buying and selling to putting in any kind of effort.

The Guardian - Sport

"Accept the sensations as they arise, no craving and no aversion, they will pass," he keeps saying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even with the polls pointing to electoral devastation, Labor's aversion to its former leader was so strong, it did not support him in two previous ballots - one in February 2012 that he lost 71 to 31 and one in March 2013 when he didn't even stand.

The Guardian

The Gove-ite thinktank Policy Exchange has been open about its aversion to a policy of more selective education.

The Guardian

Her aversion comes not out of snobbery, nor did she chance upon some in her dressing room backstage at last week's ITV leaders' debates.

The Guardian

Over here, there's a real aversion to risk.

The Guardian

Then there's the shiftless, elusive Cap, whose aversion to working is matched only by his strange attractiveness to women.

The Guardian - Books

"Given this natural aversion to human waste, it takes rigorous research, careful implementation and skillful social marketing to overcome the 'yuck' factor," says Kramer.

The Guardian

In their paper, she and colleagues say: "Although we might still be within the midst of what will ultimately be viewed as the early phase of the current Ebola virus disease outbreak, the window of opportunity for aversion of calamitous repercussions from an initially delayed and insufficient response is diminishing rapidly.

The Guardian

Furthermore, the Tory aversion to building regulations will mean homes will be less energy efficient than many want.

The Guardian

The other, Jonathan Arthurs, 16, tells me how becoming a clown was a form of aversion therapy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "aversion" with a preposition like "to" or "for" to clearly indicate the object of dislike. For example: "aversion to risk" or "aversion for public speaking".

Common error

Avoid using "aversion" interchangeably with mild preferences. "Aversion" implies a significant negative reaction, not just a simple preference. Reserve "aversion" for scenarios where the dislike is strong and possibly deeply rooted.

Linguistic Context

The noun "aversion" functions as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence to denote a strong feeling of dislike or repugnance. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across varied contexts, highlighting its role in expressing a negative sentiment towards something specific.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aversion" is a noun used to express a strong feeling of dislike or repugnance. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. It is commonly found in news articles, formal business communications, and scientific writing. Related phrases include "strong dislike", "repugnance", and "antipathy". When using "aversion", ensure that you are accurately conveying a significant negative reaction, not just a mild preference. Remember to use the prepositions "to" or "for" to clearly identify what is being disliked. With its frequent usage and clear meaning, "aversion" is a valuable term for expressing negative sentiments in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

antipathy

Similar to aversion, antipathy suggests a deep-seated feeling of dislike or opposition.

detestation

This term describes intense hatred or dislike, indicating a strong form of aversion.

repugnance

This word conveys a sense of disgust and strong aversion, highlighting the visceral reaction.

repulsion

Suggests a strong feeling of disgust and a desire to avoid something, a more intense form of aversion.

strong dislike

This alternative emphasizes the intensity of the negative feeling, similar to aversion but more direct.

fixed dislike

Emphasizes the enduring and unwavering nature of the aversion.

distaste

This is a milder form of aversion, indicating a lack of pleasure or preference for something.

disinclination

This phrase indicates a lack of willingness or desire, often related to a mild aversion.

reluctance

Expresses unwillingness or hesitation to do something, stemming from aversion or discomfort.

opposition

Focuses on resistance or disagreement, which can be a behavioral manifestation of aversion.

FAQs

How can I use "aversion" in a sentence?

"Aversion" is typically followed by "to" or "for" to indicate the object of dislike. For example, "She has an aversion to public speaking." or "His aversion for crowds is well-known."

What are some synonyms for "aversion"?

Alternatives to "aversion" include "antipathy", "repugnance", "distaste", and "dislike", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "aversion of" instead of "aversion to"?

While less common, "aversion of" can be used to describe the act of turning away from something, as in "the aversion of one's gaze". However, "aversion to" is more frequently used when referring to a feeling of strong dislike.

What's the difference between "aversion" and "avoidance"?

"Aversion" refers to the feeling of strong dislike that causes one to want to avoid something. "Avoidance", on the other hand, is the act of keeping away from or preventing something. You might have an "aversion" to speaking in public, which leads to your "avoidance" of presentations.