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C1 adjective #5,500 most common 11 min read

avert

Top 5,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips avert in 30 Seconds

Explanation avert in your Level:

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

avert in 30 Seconds

Avert means to prevent bad things or turn away from unpleasantness.
Used for avoiding disasters or looking away from discomfort.
Formal word, common in news and serious discussions.
Key actions: preventing harm, or disengaging visually/mentally.

The word avert is a versatile verb that carries a sense of preventing something undesirable or turning away from something unpleasant. It's often employed in more formal contexts, particularly when discussing the avoidance of significant negative events or the act of deliberately looking away to escape an awkward or distressing situation. Think of it as a proactive measure to steer clear of trouble or a conscious effort to disengage visually from something uncomfortable.

Core Meanings: To prevent something bad from happening; to ward off. This is perhaps the most common and impactful use of 'avert'. It implies a successful intervention to stop a negative event from occurring.; To turn away one's eyes or thoughts. This usage focuses on the physical or mental act of looking or thinking in another direction, often to avoid seeing or contemplating something unpleasant.

Consider scenarios where disaster is looming; leaders might take steps to avert a crisis. In personal interactions, if someone is asked a difficult question or witnesses something embarrassing, they might avert their gaze to manage their discomfort. The word suggests a deliberate action, whether it's a strategic maneuver to prevent harm or a personal decision to disengage from an uncomfortable stimulus. It's a word that conveys a sense of responsibility, foresight, or a desire for self-preservation from unpleasantness. The formality of 'avert' makes it suitable for news reports, official statements, and serious discussions, rather than casual conversation.

The government implemented new policies to avert an economic recession.

She had to avert her eyes when the awkward silence fell.

Formal vs. Informal: 'Avert' is generally considered more formal than synonyms like 'avoid' or 'prevent' when used to mean 'stop something bad from happening'. It carries a weightier connotation, often associated with averting disasters, crises, or significant dangers. In casual conversation, one might say 'I managed to avoid the traffic jam,' but in a news report about potential catastrophe, 'The authorities worked to avert the impending disaster' sounds more appropriate.

When 'avert' means to turn away one's eyes, it's often used to describe a reaction to something that causes embarrassment, shame, or distress. For example, someone might avert their gaze during a difficult conversation or when faced with a disturbing image. This usage is less about preventing an external event and more about managing one's internal reaction and outward expression of discomfort. While 'look away' is a more common and informal alternative, 'avert' adds a touch of sophistication and seriousness to the description of this action.

Key Nuance: The act of averting often implies a conscious effort or a strategic decision. It's not usually accidental. Whether preventing a disaster or turning away from something, there's an element of deliberate action involved.

Using avert correctly involves understanding its two primary meanings and applying them in appropriate contexts. The word lends a formal and impactful tone to your writing and speech, so it's best reserved for situations where that level of sophistication is desired.

Preventing Negative Outcomes: When 'avert' means to prevent something bad, it's often used with nouns like 'disaster', 'crisis', 'accident', 'war', 'danger', 'calamity', 'loss', or 'failure'. The subject of the sentence is typically an entity capable of taking action, such as a government, organization, individual, or even a natural force.

Examples:

Diplomatic efforts were intensified to avert a full-scale conflict.

The rapid response team managed to avert a major environmental disaster.

Strict safety regulations are in place to avert accidents in the workplace.

Turning Away Eyes or Thoughts: In this sense, 'avert' is often followed by 'one's eyes', 'one's gaze', or 'one's attention'. The subject is usually a person reacting to something they find uncomfortable, embarrassing, or distressing.

Examples:

He had to avert his eyes from the scene of devastation.

During the awkward conversation, she tried to avert her gaze.

The child instinctively averted his attention from the frightening image.

Common Grammatical Structures: Subject + avert + object (e.g., avert disaster); Subject + avert + one's + eyes/gaze/attention; 'to avert' + infinitive (less common, implies preventing an action)

It's important to note that 'avert' is an active verb. The subject is doing the averting. Using it passively can sound unnatural, though constructions like 'a disaster was averted' are grammatically correct.

The word avert, due to its formal and impactful nature, tends to appear in specific types of discourse. You're unlikely to hear it frequently in casual chat among friends, but it's a staple in more serious and structured communication.

News and Current Events: This is perhaps the most common domain for 'avert'. News reports, especially those covering international relations, economics, politics, and disaster management, frequently use 'avert' to describe efforts to prevent negative outcomes. Think of headlines about averting war, averting a financial crisis, or averting an environmental catastrophe.

Examples you might encounter:

The United Nations worked tirelessly to avert a humanitarian crisis in the region.

Analysts predict that new fiscal policies could help avert a recession.

Speeches and Formal Addresses: Politicians, business leaders, and academics often use 'avert' in their speeches to emphasize the importance of proactive measures or to highlight the gravity of a situation. It adds a sense of gravitas and strategic thinking.

You might hear:

'We must take decisive action now to avert the worst consequences of climate change.'

Literature and Academic Writing: In novels, essays, and academic papers, 'avert' is used to describe characters' actions or to analyze historical events. Its use often signals a more sophisticated vocabulary and a nuanced understanding of situations.

Examples from text:

The protagonist's quick thinking helped avert a potentially fatal accident.

Historical accounts detail how the king's diplomatic skills managed to avert war with the neighboring kingdom.

Describing Personal Reactions: While less common than the 'prevent' meaning, the 'turn away' sense of 'avert' can appear in more descriptive writing or personal narratives where someone is conveying a strong emotional reaction to something unpleasant.

For instance, in a memoir or a more literary description:

Faced with the gruesome sight, I had to avert my eyes, unable to bear it.

While avert is a useful word, there are a few common pitfalls that can lead to its misuse. Understanding these can help you use it more accurately and effectively.

Confusing 'Avert' with 'Avoid' in Casual Contexts: Mistake: Using 'avert' when 'avoid' would be more natural and less formal. For example, saying 'I need to avert my meeting with John' when you simply mean you want to cancel or postpone it.; Correction: 'Avoid' is a more general term for keeping away from something or someone. 'Avert' implies preventing something specifically negative or dangerous, or turning away from something unpleasant. In casual situations, stick to 'avoid'.; Example of Incorrect Use: 'I'm trying to avert my responsibilities.'; Example of Correct Use: 'I need to avoid my responsibilities today.'; Corrected Example: 'The company implemented new strategies to avert a financial crisis.'

Overusing 'Avert' for Minor Issues: Mistake: Applying 'avert' to situations that are not significantly negative or dangerous. For instance, saying 'I averted spilling my coffee' when you simply caught the cup before it tipped.; Correction: 'Avert' is best reserved for preventing more serious problems, such as accidents, disasters, or significant negative consequences. For minor mishaps, words like 'prevented', 'stopped', or 'managed to avoid' are more suitable.; Example of Incorrect Use: 'She quickly averted the small scratch on her car.'; Example of Correct Use: 'She quickly prevented the small scratch on her car.'; Corrected Example: 'The swift action of the firefighters helped avert a major building fire.'

Misunderstanding the 'Turning Away' Meaning: Mistake: Using 'avert' to describe simply looking away without any implication of discomfort or avoidance. For example, saying 'I averted my eyes to look at the clock.'; Correction: When 'avert' means to turn away, it usually implies doing so because of something unpleasant, embarrassing, or distressing. If you're just looking at something else, 'looked', 'turned', or 'shifted my gaze' are more appropriate.; Example of Incorrect Use: 'He averted his eyes to see the score.'; Example of Correct Use: 'He looked at the score.'; Corrected Example: 'She had to avert her gaze from the upsetting news report.'

Confusing it with 'Adverse': Mistake: Mistaking 'avert' (a verb) for 'adverse' (an adjective meaning unfavorable or harmful).; Correction: 'Avert' is an action word; 'adverse' describes a condition or effect. You might take action to avert an adverse outcome.; Example of Incorrect Use: 'The company faced avert conditions.'; Example of Correct Use: 'The company faced adverse conditions.'; Corrected Example: 'The government took measures to avert the adverse effects of the storm.'

Understanding the nuances of avert is easier when compared to its synonyms and related terms. While some words overlap in meaning, they often differ in formality, intensity, or specific application.

Synonyms for 'Preventing Something Bad': Prevent: This is the most common and general synonym. It means to stop something from happening or to stop someone from doing something. 'Avert' is often more formal and implies preventing a more serious or dangerous event.; Example Comparison:; General: The doctor tried to prevent the infection from spreading.; More Formal/Serious: The emergency services worked to avert a major disaster.; Ward off: This implies protecting oneself from danger or harm, often by actively repelling it. It's similar to 'avert' in its protective sense but can sometimes suggest a more direct confrontation or defense.; Example Comparison:; The charms were believed to ward off evil spirits.; Diplomatic negotiations were crucial to avert war.; Deter: This means to discourage someone from doing something by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences. It focuses on discouraging an action rather than stopping an event itself.; Example Comparison:; The strong police presence was meant to deter crime.; The government took steps to avert economic instability.; Forestall: This means to prevent or obstruct (an anticipated event or action) by taking action ahead of time. It emphasizes acting in advance to prevent something.; Example Comparison:; He tried to forestall any objections by addressing them early.; The international community worked to avert a global pandemic.

Synonyms for 'Turning Away Eyes or Thoughts': Turn away: This is the most direct and common alternative. It's less formal than 'avert'.; Example Comparison:; She turned away from the disturbing scene.; She had to avert her eyes from the disturbing scene.; Look away: Similar to 'turn away', it specifically refers to the eyes. It's informal.; Example Comparison:; He looked away when the question got too personal.; He averted his gaze when the question got too personal.; Shy away from: This implies avoiding something because of fear or nervousness. It's more about an emotional reaction than a deliberate physical act of turning away.; Example Comparison:; She tends to shy away from confrontation.; She had to avert her eyes during the argument.

Antonyms (for 'Preventing Something Bad'): Invite: To encourage or welcome something to happen.; Example: His actions seemed to invite trouble.; Encourage: To give support, confidence, or hope to.; Example: The policy seemed to encourage risky behavior.; Facilitate: To make (an action or process) easy or easier.; Example: The new system will facilitate growth.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Fun Fact

The Latin root 'vertere' (to turn) is incredibly common in English, appearing in words like 'convert', 'divert', 'invert', 'revert', 'subvert', and 'advertise'. Understanding this root can help you decipher the meanings of many related words.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /əˈvɜːt/

US /əˈvɝt/

Second syllable ('vert')

Rhymes With

assert convert desert exert insert subvert revert expert

Common Errors

Misplacing stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing the 'a' as a long 'ay' sound.
Not clearly articulating the 'v' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Understanding 'avert' requires grasping its dual meaning of prevention and turning away. Its formal register means it's more common in written texts like news articles, academic papers, or literature, which can increase reading difficulty for learners.

Writing 4/5

Using 'avert' correctly in writing involves choosing the right context and register. Learners may struggle to differentiate it from 'avoid' or 'prevent' and may overuse it in informal settings.

Speaking 3/5

While 'avert' is less common in casual conversation, learners might encounter it in formal discussions or presentations. Its pronunciation and formal tone can be challenging for spontaneous use.

Listening 3/5

Listeners need to be attentive to the context to understand whether 'avert' refers to preventing a serious event or turning away from something unpleasant. Its formal nature might make it stand out in spoken language.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

prevent avoid turn eyes thoughts disaster crisis

Learn Next

forestall deter mitigate obviate preempt

Advanced

catastrophe calamity impending foresee prescience

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verb Usage

'Avert' is typically a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. For example, 'They averted the crisis.' The passive voice is also common: 'The crisis was averted.'

Infinitive as Purpose

The phrase 'to avert' is often used to express the purpose of an action. For example, 'The safety measures were implemented to avert accidents.'

Common Collocations

Certain nouns frequently pair with 'avert', such as 'disaster', 'crisis', 'war', 'accident', and 'famine'. Understanding these common pairings helps in natural usage.

Phrasal Use with 'one's'

When referring to turning away one's senses, 'avert' is often followed by 'one's eyes', 'one's gaze', or 'one's attention'. For example, 'He averted his eyes.'

Distinguishing from 'Adverse'

Be careful not to confuse the verb 'avert' with the adjective 'adverse'. 'Adverse' means unfavorable or harmful (e.g., 'adverse effects'), while 'avert' means to prevent or turn away.

Examples by Level

The quick thinking of the pilot helped to avert a crash.

piloto, pense rápido, ajudar, evitar, colisão

Past tense 'averted' is used here to describe a completed action in the past.

We must take steps to avert the spread of misinformation online.

nós, devemos, tomar, passos, evitar, disseminação, desinformação, online

'To avert' is used in the infinitive form following 'must take steps'.

She averted her eyes when he started to cry.

ela, virou, olhos, quando, ele, começou, chorar

'Averted her eyes' is a common phrase indicating a deliberate turning away of the gaze.

The community rallied together to avert disaster after the storm.

comunidade, se uniu, para, evitar, desastre, após, tempestade

'Avert disaster' is a strong collocation, emphasizing the prevention of a major negative event.

The government is trying to avert an economic crisis.

governo, está tentando, evitar, crise, econômica

'To avert' is used with present continuous 'is trying' to indicate an ongoing effort.

He averted his gaze from the controversial painting.

ele, desviou, olhar, de, pintura, controversa

'Averted his gaze' is similar to 'averted her eyes', focusing on the act of looking away.

The new regulations were designed to avert potential accidents.

novas, regulamentos, foram, projetados, para, evitar, potenciais, acidentes

'To avert' is used in the infinitive to state the purpose of the regulations.

In moments of embarrassment, he would often avert his head.

em, momentos, de, constrangimento, ele, frequentemente, virava, cabeça

'Avert his head' is another way to express turning away from an uncomfortable situation.

Intense diplomatic negotiations were undertaken to avert further escalation of the conflict.

intensa, negociação diplomática, foram realizadas, para, evitar, maior, escalada, conflito

'To avert further escalation' highlights the preventative action against a worsening situation.

The company implemented strict safety protocols to avert any industrial accidents.

empresa, implementou, rigorosos, protocolos, de, segurança, para, evitar, quaisquer, acidentes, industriais

'To avert any industrial accidents' signifies a proactive measure against specific risks.

She found herself unable to avert her gaze from the unfolding tragedy on the news.

ela, se viu, incapaz, de, desviar, olhar, de, tragédia, se desenrolando, nas, notícias

'Unable to avert her gaze' suggests a compelling or shocking event that holds attention.

The timely intervention of the rescue team helped avert a major catastrophe.

oportuna, intervenção, equipe, de, resgate, ajudou, a, evitar, grande, catástrofe

'Helped avert a major catastrophe' emphasizes the positive outcome of the intervention.

Economic analysts are closely watching to see if the government can avert a recession.

analistas, econômicos, estão, observando, atentamente, para, ver, se, governo, pode, evitar, recessão

'Can avert a recession' expresses the possibility and challenge of preventing an economic downturn.

He averted his head slightly, trying to avoid making eye contact.

ele, virou, cabeça, levemente, tentando, evitar, contato, visual

'Averted his head slightly' describes a subtle action to avoid engagement.

The new policy aims to avert any potential loopholes in the system.

nova, política, visa, a, evitar, quaisquer, potenciais, brechas, no, sistema

'To avert any potential loopholes' shows the preventative nature of policy design.

The sheer horror of the situation forced him to avert his eyes.

puro, horror, da, situação, o forçou, a, desviar, olhos

'Forced him to avert his eyes' implies an involuntary reaction to something intensely disturbing.

The strategic deployment of resources was crucial to avert the impending humanitarian crisis.

estratégico, desdobramento, recursos, foi, crucial, para, evitar, iminente, crise, humanitária

'Avert the impending humanitarian crisis' uses more sophisticated vocabulary to describe a serious situation.

Environmentalists warned that without immediate action, we would face unprecedented ecological collapse, a scenario they worked tirelessly to avert.

ambientalistas, alertaram, que, sem, ação, imediata, enfrentaríamos, sem precedentes, colapso, ecológico, cenário, que, trabalharam, incansavelmente, para, evitar

This sentence uses 'avert' in the context of a large-scale, potentially irreversible negative outcome.

In the face of such overwhelming evidence, she could not avert her gaze, compelled by a morbid fascination.

diante de, tal, esmagadora, evidência, ela, não pôde, desviar, olhar, compelida, por, mórbida, fascinação

'Could not avert her gaze' implies a strong, almost involuntary fixation, despite potential discomfort.

The prolonged drought threatened to precipitate widespread famine, a catastrophe the international community sought to avert through emergency aid.

prolongada, seca, ameaçou, precipitar, fome, generalizada, catástrofe, que, comunidade, internacional, buscou, evitar, através, de, ajuda, emergencial

'Sought to avert through emergency aid' details the method used to prevent a dire outcome.

His entire political career was dedicated to averting the nation's slide into authoritarianism.

toda, sua, carreira, política, foi, dedicada, a, evitar, nação's, descida, para, autoritarismo

'Averting the nation's slide into authoritarianism' describes a high-stakes political objective.

The witness, visibly distressed, averted his eyes from the graphic details presented in court.

testemunha, visivelmente, angustiada, desviou, olhos, de, gráficos, detalhes, apresentados, em, tribunal

'Visibly distressed, averted his eyes' links the physical action to an emotional state.

The company's proactive risk management strategy was designed to avert potential disruptions to its supply chain.

empresa's, proativa, gestão, de, risco, estratégia, foi, projetada, para, evitar, potenciais, interrupções, em, sua, cadeia, de, suprimentos

'Avert potential disruptions' highlights a sophisticated business strategy for risk mitigation.

The sheer awkwardness of the situation compelled her to avert her attention and focus on her phone.

pura, constrangedora, da, situação, a, compeliram, a, desviar, atenção, e, focar, em, seu, telefone

'Avert her attention' suggests a mental redirection away from an uncomfortable social dynamic.

The intricate web of diplomatic maneuvers was orchestrated to avert a catastrophic conflict that could have destabilized the entire continent.

intrincada, teia, de, manobras, diplomáticas, foi, orquestrada, para, evitar, catastrófico, conflito, que, poderia, ter, desestabilizado, todo, continente

This sentence uses elevated vocabulary ('intricate web of diplomatic maneuvers', 'orchestrated', 'catastrophic conflict', 'destabilized') to describe a high-stakes prevention effort.

In the annals of history, few leaders have possessed the prescience and fortitude required to avert the descent into tyranny that plagued so many nations.

nos, anais, da, história, poucos, líderes, possuíram, presciência, e, força, necessárias, para, evitar, descida, para, tirania, que, assolou, tantas, nações

'Avert the descent into tyranny' refers to preventing a fundamental societal and political collapse.

The sheer visceral horror of the accident forced the onlookers to avert their gaze, yet their minds were indelibly seared by the images.

puro, visceral, horror, do, acidente, forçou, espectadores, a, desviar, olhar, contudo, suas, mentes, foram, indelévelmente, marcadas, por, imagens

'Visceral horror' and 'indelibly seared' add intensity to the description of the reaction to the event.

The global response to the pandemic was a concerted effort to avert a complete breakdown of healthcare systems worldwide.

global, resposta, à, pandemia, foi, um, esforço, conjunto, para, evitar, completo, colapso, de, sistemas, de, saúde, mundialmente

'Avert a complete breakdown of healthcare systems' describes preventing a societal infrastructure collapse.

His carefully constructed alibi was designed to avert suspicion, but the astute detective saw through the façade.

seu, cuidadosamente, construído, álibi, foi, projetado, para, evitar, suspeita, mas, astuto, detetive, viu, através, fachada

'Avert suspicion' is a common phrase in contexts of crime or investigation, implying deception.

The sheer magnitude of the impending financial collapse necessitated unprecedented government intervention to avert total economic ruin.

pura, magnitude, de, iminente, colapso, financeiro, necessitou, sem, precedentes, intervenção, governamental, para, evitar, total, ruína, econômica

'Avert total economic ruin' uses strong, formal language to describe the prevention of financial devastation.

The artist's deliberate choice to avert his gaze from the canvas during the critical phase of painting was a method to maintain creative distance.

artista's, deliberada, escolha, de, desviar, olhar, de, tela, durante, crítica, fase, de, pintura, foi, método, para, manter, criativa, distância

'Avert his gaze from the canvas' in an artistic context suggests a specific technique or psychological approach.

The chilling realization of his culpability forced him to avert his thoughts from the irreversible consequences of his actions.

chocante, realização, de, sua, culpa, o forçou, a, desviar, pensamentos, de, irreversíveis, consequências, de, suas, ações

'Avert his thoughts' indicates a mental effort to avoid dwelling on negative or guilt-inducing ideas.

Synonyms

prevent avoid forestall ward off deflect obviate

Antonyms

cause permit instigate

Common Collocations

avert disaster

avert crisis

avert war

avert accident

avert famine

avert collapse

avert gaze

avert eyes

avert attention

avert danger

Common Phrases

avert disaster

— To successfully prevent a very bad event from happening.

The timely evacuation orders helped avert a major disaster during the hurricane.

avert a crisis

— To stop a difficult or dangerous situation from developing or worsening.

The central bank's intervention was aimed at averting a financial crisis.

avert war

— To prevent a conflict between countries from escalating into armed combat.

Intense diplomatic negotiations were undertaken to avert war.

avert accident

— To prevent a mishap or unfortunate incident from occurring.

New safety measures were put in place to avert accidents on the construction site.

avert famine

— To prevent a severe shortage of food in a region.

International aid efforts were crucial to avert famine in the affected areas.

avert collapse

— To stop a system, organization, or structure from failing completely.

The company's restructuring plan was designed to avert collapse.

avert one's eyes/gaze

— To deliberately look away from something, usually because it is unpleasant, embarrassing, or disturbing.

She averted her eyes when she saw the accident.

avert attention

— To deliberately shift one's mental focus away from something.

He tried to avert his attention from the distractions around him.

avert danger

— To successfully avoid or prevent a situation that could cause harm.

The driver's quick reaction helped avert danger to pedestrians.

avert the worst

— To prevent the most severe or negative consequences of a situation.

The government's swift action helped avert the worst of the economic downturn.

Often Confused With

avert vs avoid

'Avoid' is a more general term for keeping away from something. 'Avert' specifically implies preventing something negative or dangerous, or turning away from something unpleasant.

avert vs prevent

'Prevent' is a direct synonym for stopping something from happening. 'Avert' often carries a greater sense of urgency or the prevention of a more significant negative event, and can also mean turning away.

avert vs adverse

'Adverse' is an adjective meaning unfavorable or harmful. 'Avert' is a verb meaning to prevent or turn away. You might take action to avert adverse effects.

Easily Confused

avert vs avoid

Both words relate to keeping away from something.

'Avoid' is a broad term for keeping away from something or someone. You can avoid traffic, avoid a person, or avoid a difficult topic. 'Avert,' however, is more specific. It means to prevent something bad from happening (like a disaster) or to turn your eyes or thoughts away from something unpleasant. For example, you 'avert' a crisis, but you 'avoid' a boring conversation.

She tried to avoid him in the hallway, but he managed to avert her gaze when they passed.

avert vs prevent

Both words mean to stop something from happening.

'Prevent' is a general term meaning to stop something from happening or to stop someone from doing something. 'Avert' often implies stopping something particularly negative, dangerous, or catastrophic, and it also has the distinct meaning of turning away one's eyes or thoughts. You can prevent an infection, but you 'avert' a pandemic. You might 'prevent' a minor fall, but you 'avert' your eyes from a horrific sight.

The new safety measures were designed to prevent injuries, while the quick thinking of the pilot helped avert a crash.

avert vs deter

Both words suggest stopping something negative.

'Deter' means to discourage someone from doing something, usually by instilling fear or doubt about the consequences. It focuses on influencing behavior. 'Avert,' on the other hand, is about stopping an event from happening or turning away from something. For instance, you 'deter' someone from committing a crime, but you 'avert' a crime from occurring or 'avert' your eyes from witnessing it.

The strong security presence was intended to deter potential thieves, and the alarm system was in place to avert any break-ins.

avert vs turn away

Both can refer to moving one's head or eyes.

'Turn away' is a more general and often informal phrase for physically moving one's head or eyes in another direction. 'Avert' in this sense is more formal and usually implies doing so because of something unpleasant, embarrassing, or distressing. You might 'turn away' to look at your watch, but you 'avert your gaze' from a disturbing image.

He turned away to answer the phone, but she had to avert her eyes from the graphic details on the screen.

avert vs adverse

They sound somewhat similar and are related in concept.

'Avert' is a verb meaning to prevent something bad or turn away. 'Adverse' is an adjective meaning unfavorable, harmful, or negative. They are often used together: one takes action to 'avert' 'adverse' consequences. You cannot 'adverse' something; you can only experience 'adverse' conditions or effects. 'Avert' is the action of preventing these.

The company implemented policies to avert any adverse effects on its employees' morale.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + avert + object.

The team worked hard to avert defeat.

Subject + avert + one's + eyes/gaze.

She averted her eyes from the sad scene.

To + avert + object.

The goal was to avert a major conflict.

Subject + tried/managed/worked + to + avert + object.

The negotiators worked to avert further tensions.

Subject + could/could not + avert + object.

He felt he could not avert the inevitable outcome.

Subject + avert + one's + attention.

He tried to avert his attention from the distractions.

Passive: Object + was/were + averted.

The potential disaster was averted by their quick action.

Adverb + avert + object.

They strategically averted the crisis.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

How to Use It

frequency

Medium-Low in general conversation, High in formal/news contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'avert' for minor issues. → The child managed to prevent spilling his juice.
'Avert' is generally used for more serious situations like preventing disasters or crises. For minor mishaps, simpler verbs like 'prevent', 'stop', or 'avoid' are more appropriate and less formal.
Confusing 'avert' (verb) with 'adverse' (adjective). → The company implemented policies to avert adverse effects.
'Avert' is an action word meaning to prevent or turn away. 'Adverse' is an adjective meaning unfavorable or harmful. You can take action to 'avert' something that has 'adverse' effects.
Using 'avert' in casual conversation for simple avoidance. → I need to avoid that difficult conversation.
'Avert' is a formal word. In casual conversation, use 'avoid' for general keeping away from something or someone, or 'turn away'/'look away' for physical actions of disengagement.
Misplacing stress in pronunciation. → The emphasis is on the second syllable: /əˈvɜːt/ (uh-VERT).
Incorrect stress, such as on the first syllable, can make the word difficult to understand or sound unnatural. Ensure the stress falls on 'vert'.
Using 'avert' when the action is not deliberate. → She looked away when she saw the accident.
'Avert' often implies a conscious, deliberate action. If the turning away is purely involuntary or accidental, simpler phrasing like 'looked away' or 'turned her head' might be more accurate.

Tips

Choose the Right Context

Remember that 'avert' is a formal word. Use it when discussing serious topics like preventing disasters, crises, or significant dangers. For casual situations, stick to 'avoid' or 'prevent'. When turning away eyes, 'avert' implies discomfort or distress, making it more impactful than simply 'looking away'.

Master the Pronunciation

Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable: /əˈvɜːt/ (uh-VERT). Ensure you pronounce the 'v' sound clearly and the 'er' sound in the second syllable. Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural.

Know Your Synonyms

While 'prevent' and 'avoid' are related, 'avert' often implies a more immediate or severe threat that is being actively countered, or a deliberate turning away from something unpleasant. Understanding these nuances will help you use 'avert' more precisely.

Active and Passive Voice

'Avert' can be used in both active and passive voice. In active voice, the subject performs the action (e.g., 'The leaders averted war'). In passive voice, the object of the action becomes the subject (e.g., 'War was averted'). Both are common and grammatically correct.

Leverage the Root

The Latin root 'vertere' means 'to turn'. Remembering this connection to 'turn away' can help you recall both meanings of 'avert' – turning away from danger or turning away your eyes/thoughts.

Use Common Phrases

Familiarize yourself with common phrases like 'avert disaster', 'avert a crisis', and 'avert one's gaze'. Using these established collocations will make your language sound more natural and accurate.

Regular Practice

The best way to master 'avert' is to use it. Try incorporating it into your writing or speaking exercises. Create sentences that reflect its formal usage and its two core meanings. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with its application.

Avoid Overuse

Because 'avert' is formal, overuse can make your language sound stiff or unnatural. Be mindful of the audience and the purpose of your communication. Sometimes, a simpler word like 'prevent' or 'avoid' is more appropriate.

Distinguish from 'Adverse'

It's crucial to differentiate 'avert' (verb) from 'adverse' (adjective). 'Adverse' describes something unfavorable or harmful. You might take action to 'avert' 'adverse' consequences. Mixing them up leads to grammatical errors.

Grasp the Nuance

The nuance of 'avert' often lies in the deliberate nature of the action, whether it's a conscious effort to prevent harm or a conscious decision to disengage from something uncomfortable. This intentionality is key to its meaning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a superhero, Captain Avert, who has the power to physically 'turn away' (avert) falling buildings or speeding trains, thus preventing disasters. Or, picture someone so embarrassed they have to 'avert' (turn away) their eyes from a very awkward situation.

Visual Association

Picture a sign with an arrow pointing away from a danger zone, with the word 'AVERT' written prominently. Alternatively, imagine someone physically pushing a bad event away with their hands, while turning their head in the opposite direction.

Word Web

Prevention Turning away Disaster Crisis Embarrassment Avoidance Safety Caution

Challenge

Try to use 'avert' in three different sentences today: one about preventing a disaster, one about turning away your eyes, and one about a more abstract prevention (like averting suspicion).

Word Origin

The word 'avert' comes from the Latin verb 'avertere', which is a combination of 'ab-' (meaning 'away from') and 'vertere' (meaning 'to turn'). This origin clearly reflects its primary meanings of turning away and preventing something by moving it away.

Original meaning: To turn away.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin

Cultural Context

When using 'avert' in the context of turning away eyes or thoughts, be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation. The reasons for averting gaze can be complex and culturally influenced. Ensure the context clearly indicates whether it's due to discomfort, shame, respect, or something else.

In English-speaking cultures, 'avert' is primarily used in formal discourse. The act of averting one's gaze can carry different connotations, from avoiding confrontation to showing deference, depending on the specific social setting and relationship dynamics.

The phrase 'avert disaster' is frequently used in disaster movies and news reports about natural calamities or man-made crises. In political discourse, leaders often speak of their efforts to 'avert war' or 'avert an economic crisis'. Literary works often depict characters averting their eyes or thoughts when faced with morally challenging situations or intense emotional distress.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

News Reporting on Disasters and Crises

avert disaster
avert a crisis
avert catastrophe
efforts to avert

Political and Diplomatic Discussions

avert war
avert conflict
avert economic collapse
to avert further escalation

Safety and Risk Management

avert accident
avert danger
avert potential harm
designed to avert

Personal Reactions to Unpleasant Situations

avert one's eyes
avert one's gaze
avert embarrassment
unable to avert

Academic and Literary Analysis

avert the descent into
avert suspicion
avert the worst consequences
deliberately avert

Conversation Starters

"What's the biggest disaster you've ever seen or heard about that was successfully averted?"

"Can you think of a time you had to avert your eyes from something uncomfortable?"

"What steps do you think are most effective in averting a crisis in your community?"

"If you could avert one global problem, what would it be and why?"

"How do you handle situations where you need to avert your attention from something important?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a situation where you or someone you know took action to avert a potential problem. What was the outcome?

Reflect on a time you felt embarrassed or uncomfortable and had to avert your gaze or thoughts. What was the situation and how did you feel?

Imagine you have the power to avert one major global crisis. Which crisis would you choose and what actions would you take?

Write about a character in a story who is trying to avert a significant personal or societal downfall. What challenges do they face?

Consider the difference between 'avert' and 'avoid'. When would you choose one over the other in your writing?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The main difference lies in formality and specificity. 'Avoid' is a general term for keeping away from something or someone, and can be used in many contexts, both formal and informal. 'Avert,' on the other hand, is typically more formal and is used specifically to mean preventing something negative or dangerous (like a crisis or disaster) from happening, or deliberately turning one's eyes or thoughts away from something unpleasant. For instance, you might 'avoid' a crowded bus, but you 'avert' a major accident.

While 'prevent' is a broad synonym, 'avert' often carries a stronger connotation of preventing a significant negative event, such as a disaster, crisis, or war. It also has the distinct meaning of turning away one's gaze or thoughts. Use 'avert' when you want to emphasize the seriousness of the situation being prevented or the deliberate nature of turning away from something distressing. For example, 'The government took steps to avert the economic downturn' sounds more formal and impactful than 'The government took steps to prevent the economic downturn.'

Generally, 'avert' is reserved for more significant or serious matters. While you could technically say you 'averted' spilling your coffee, it sounds overly formal and dramatic. For minor mishaps, words like 'prevented,' 'stopped,' or 'managed to avoid' are more appropriate. 'Avert' is best suited for preventing disasters, crises, accidents, or for turning away from something that causes notable discomfort or distress.

To 'avert one's gaze' means to deliberately turn one's eyes away from something. This is usually done because the thing being looked at is unpleasant, embarrassing, shocking, or distressing. For example, someone might avert their gaze from a violent scene in a movie or from an awkward social interaction.

'Avert' is primarily a verb. It describes an action: the action of preventing something bad or turning away. The related noun is 'aversion' (a strong dislike or disinclination), and the adjective form is 'aversive' (causing a feeling of strong dislike or opposition). Be careful not to confuse it with the adjective 'adverse', which means unfavorable or harmful.

The opposite of 'avert' depends on which meaning you are considering. If 'avert' means to prevent something bad, its opposites could be 'invite' (to encourage something to happen), 'provoke' (to deliberately stimulate a negative reaction), or 'facilitate' (to make something easier, potentially a negative event). If 'avert' means to turn away, its opposite is to 'face' or 'confront'.

Yes, 'avert' can be used in the passive voice. For example, 'The disaster was averted by the timely intervention of the rescue teams.' This construction emphasizes the event that was prevented rather than the agent performing the action.

'Avert' is not very common in everyday casual conversation. It is a more formal word typically found in news reports, political speeches, academic writing, and literature. In casual settings, people are more likely to use 'avoid', 'prevent', or 'look away'.

While 'avert' itself is not typically part of common idioms, the concepts it represents – preventing disaster and turning away from discomfort – are common in idiomatic expressions. For example, 'head in the sand' relates to avoiding unpleasant realities, similar to averting one's thoughts.

'Avert' comes from the Latin verb 'avertere', which means 'to turn away'. This is a combination of 'ab-' (away from) and 'vertere' (to turn). This origin perfectly reflects its two main meanings: turning away and preventing by moving something away.