Adverse, a.
Etymology: [OE. advers, OF. avers, advers, fr. L. adversus, p. p. advertere to turn to. See Advert.]
1. Acting against, or in a contrary direction; opposed; contrary; opposite; conflicting; as, adverse winds; an adverse party; a spirit adverse to distinctions of caste.
2. Opposite. "Calpe's adverse height." Byron.
3. In hostile opposition to; unfavorable; unpropitious; contrary to one's wishes; unfortunate; calamitous; afflictive; hurtful; as, adverse fates, adverse circumstances, things adverse. Happy were it for us all if we bore prosperity as well and wisely as we endure an adverse fortune. Southey. Adverse possession (Law), a possession of real property avowedly contrary to some claim of title in another person. Abbott.
Syn. -- Averse; reluctant; unwilling. See Averse.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Adverse, v. t.
To oppose; to resist. [Obs.] Gower.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists adverse only as an antonym, under friendly, propitious.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.