Adversary vs. enemy: what’s the difference?
The short answer
An adversary is often used in a more formal or neutral context, such as legal, sports, or competitive scenarios, without implying personal animosity. Enemy usually implies a more serious or hostile opposition, often with personal animosity or in a context of war or conflict.
What they have in common
Both adversary and enemy refer to someone or something that opposes or is in conflict with another. They both describe an opponent or antagonist.
Examples
adversary
- In the chess tournament, he faced a formidable adversary.
- The lawyer prepared to meet his adversary in court.
- During the debate, she respected her adversary’s arguments even though she disagreed.
enemy
- The two nations regarded each other as enemies during the war.
- He found himself with many enemies after the contentious decision.
- The superhero fought to protect the city from his arch-enemy.
Which one is more common?
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