aversion to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aversion to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a feeling of strong dislike or repugnance for something. An example sentence could be: "He had an aversion to loud noises."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

First, his personal aversion to reform.

The Economist

An abrupt aversion to skinny jeans?

The New York Times

But what is the aversion to Miranda?

The New Yorker

Doctors also have an aversion to reporting.

The New York Times

Cromer, however, has an aversion to pretension.

The New Yorker

Yet Americans' aversion to taxes runs deeper.

The New York Times

This aversion to apologies is not universal.

The New York Times

I have an aversion to that door.

The New York Times

Nehru's aversion to religion was absolute.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I have an aversion to Sarah Mitchum.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I've always had an aversion to misery memoirs.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aversion to" to express a strong dislike or repugnance, especially when referring to abstract concepts, activities, or situations. For example, "He has an aversion to public speaking."

Common error

Avoid using "aversion to" to describe simple preferences or minor dislikes. "Aversion" implies a stronger negative reaction. Use words like "dislike", "preference against", or "lack of interest in" for milder feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aversion to" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, typically acting as a complement to a verb or noun. It expresses a strong feeling of dislike or repugnance towards something, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "aversion to" is a grammatically sound and very commonly used expression to denote a strong dislike or repugnance for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for expressing negative sentiments across various contexts. The phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While semantically similar phrases like "dislike of" and "antipathy toward" exist, "aversion to" carries a particular nuance of strong dislike that should be considered when choosing the most appropriate wording. Remember to use it for genuinely strong dislikes, and avoid it when describing mild preferences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dislike of

Focuses on a general feeling of not liking something, less intense than "aversion".

antipathy toward

Emphasizes a strong feeling of dislike or hostility.

repugnance for

Highlights a feeling of disgust or strong dislike.

distaste for

Indicates a mild dislike or displeasure.

lack of enthusiasm for

Indicates absence of excitement or interest.

disinclination towards

Suggests a reluctance or unwillingness.

reluctance regarding

Implies hesitancy or unwillingness to do something.

opposition to

Implies active resistance or disagreement.

hostility towards

Expresses active dislike and antagonism.

avoidance of

Highlights the act of keeping away from something.

FAQs

How can I use "aversion to" in a sentence?

Use "aversion to" to describe a strong dislike or repugnance. For example: "She has an "aversion to" spicy food", "His "aversion to" conflict is well-known".

What are some alternatives to "aversion to"?

You can use alternatives like "dislike of", "antipathy toward", or "repugnance for" depending on the context.

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

No, the correct preposition to use with "aversion" is "to". "Aversion of" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "aversion to".

What is the difference between "aversion to" and "avoidance of"?

"Aversion to" describes a feeling of strong dislike, while "avoidance of" describes the act of staying away from something. You can have an "aversion to" something without actively avoiding it, and vice versa.