aversão in 30 Seconds
- A strong dislike or disinclination.
- Implies a visceral, often instinctual, rejection.
- Typically followed by the preposition 'a' (or its contractions).
'Aversão' is a Portuguese noun that translates directly to 'aversion' in English. It signifies a strong feeling of dislike, repugnance, or antipathy towards something or someone. It's not just a mild dislike; it implies a deep-seated resistance or an instinctual turning away from the object of the aversion.
- Core Meaning
- A profound and often visceral dislike or disinclination.
- Usage Contexts
- You might express 'aversão' towards certain foods, smells, activities, abstract concepts, or even people if the dislike is strong enough. It can be related to phobias, strong moral objections, or simply a deeply ingrained personal preference.
- Intensity
- The word suggests a more intense emotional response than simple dislike ('desgosto') or indifference ('indiferença').
Consider the feeling of disgust you might have when encountering something unpleasant; 'aversão' captures a similar, often psychological, reaction. It can also be used in a more intellectual or moral sense, indicating a strong opposition to certain ideas or behaviors. For instance, someone might have an 'aversão' to violence or injustice.
Ele tem uma aversão inexplicável por gatos.
In everyday conversation, 'aversão' is used to express strong negative feelings. It can be about physical sensations, psychological states, or deeply held beliefs. The intensity of the word makes it suitable for describing significant dislikes that impact behavior and choices.
- Examples of Use
- Experiencing 'aversão' to a particular smell, like strong perfume or decay.
- Having an 'aversão' to public speaking due to intense anxiety.
- Expressing an 'aversão' to certain political ideologies or social behaviors.
- A chef might have an 'aversão' to overcooked food.
- Children often develop 'aversão' to vegetables they haven't tried.
Understanding 'aversão' involves grasping the depth of the negative feeling. It's a word that conveys more than just not liking something; it implies a strong, often involuntary, rejection. This makes it a useful term for describing significant personal dislikes and strong opinions.
Using 'aversão' correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and the preposition that typically follows it. In Portuguese, the preposition 'a' (or its contracted forms 'ao', 'à', 'aos', 'às') is commonly used to link 'aversão' to the object of the dislike. This structure is similar to 'aversion to' in English.
- Basic Structure
- Subject + Ter (to have) + Aversão + a/ao/à/aos/às + Object of Aversion
Let's break down some common sentence patterns and examples to illustrate its usage effectively.
Tenho aversão a insetos.
Here, 'Tenho' (I have) is the verb, 'aversão' is the noun, and 'a insetos' (to insects) specifies what the aversion is towards. The preposition 'a' is used because 'insetos' is a masculine plural noun, and it's common to use 'a' followed by the definite article 'os' when referring to general categories, forming 'aos'.
- More Examples
- * Ela sente uma profunda aversão à ideia de ficar sozinha. (She feels a deep aversion to the idea of being alone.) - Here, 'à' is the contraction of 'a' + 'a', used because 'ideia' is a feminine singular noun.
- * Os moradores têm aversão aos barulhos altos durante a noite. (The residents have an aversion to the loud noises during the night.) - 'aos' is 'a' + 'os', used because 'barulhos' is masculine plural.
- * O novo funcionário demonstrou aversão pelo trabalho repetitivo. (The new employee showed aversion to repetitive work.) - While 'a' is most common, 'por' (or 'pelo'/'pela' etc.) can sometimes be used, especially when the aversion is more about a lack of inclination or a feeling of being put off by something. This usage is less frequent than with 'a' but still valid.
It's also possible to use 'aversão' without explicitly stating the object of aversion, especially if it's understood from context.
Sua aversão é evidente.
You can also use 'aversão' with verbs other than 'ter', though 'ter' is the most frequent. For example, 'sentir' (to feel) or 'demonstrar' (to demonstrate) can be used.
- Using with Other Verbs
- * Ele sente aversão ao cheiro de peixe estragado. (He feels aversion to the smell of rotten fish.)
- * A criança demonstrou aversão à comida pela primeira vez. (The child showed aversion to the food for the first time.)
Mastering these patterns will allow you to express strong dislikes naturally and accurately in Portuguese.
You'll encounter the word 'aversão' in a variety of contexts in spoken and written Portuguese, reflecting its use to describe strong dislikes across different situations. It's a word that adds a layer of intensity to descriptions of negative feelings.
- Everyday Conversations
- In casual chats, people might say things like: 'Tenho aversão a acordar cedo!' (I have an aversion to waking up early!) or 'Ela tem uma aversão a filmes de terror.' (She has an aversion to horror movies.) This shows how it's used for personal preferences and dislikes.
O meu irmão tem aversão a picada de mosquito.
- Media and Literature
- In news articles, books, or even song lyrics, 'aversão' can be used to describe societal dislikes or strong personal feelings. For example, an article might discuss 'a aversão pública a políticas ambientais prejudiciais' (the public aversion to harmful environmental policies).
- Psychology and Health
- In discussions about mental health or personal well-being, 'aversão' might be used to describe strong negative reactions, such as an 'aversão a certos tipos de comida' (aversion to certain types of food) that could be related to medical conditions or psychological issues.
- Formal Settings
- In more formal contexts, like legal or philosophical discussions, it can denote a strong opposition. For instance, 'uma aversão à crueldade' (an aversion to cruelty) might be discussed in ethical debates.
You might also hear it in contexts related to taste and preferences, especially in food reviews or discussions about culinary habits. For example, 'Muitas pessoas têm aversão a coentros' (Many people have an aversion to cilantro/coriander).
Ele tem aversão a qualquer tipo de barulho.
The word 'aversão' is versatile and used across different registers, from casual talk to more formal discussions, always conveying a strong sense of dislike or repulsion.
While 'aversão' is a straightforward word, learners sometimes make errors, often related to prepositions or confusing it with similar but less intense terms. Understanding these common pitfalls can help you use the word more accurately.
- Incorrect Preposition Usage
- The most frequent mistake is using the wrong preposition after 'aversão'. While 'a' (and its contractions like 'ao', 'à', 'aos', 'às') is the standard and most common preposition, learners might mistakenly use 'de', 'com', or other prepositions.
- Mistake: Tenho aversão de altura. (Incorrect)
- Correct: Tenho aversão à altura. (I have an aversion to heights.)
- Note: The preposition 'a' is idiomatic with 'aversão'. Think of it as 'aversion *to*' rather than 'aversion *of*'.
Ele demonstrou aversão ao cheiro.
- Confusing with Less Intense Words
- 'Aversão' implies a strong, often visceral, dislike. Using it for a mild preference or a slight annoyance can sound exaggerated.
- Mistake: Tenho aversão a este tipo de música. (If you just don't particularly like it, but don't hate it.)
- Better Alternative: Não gosto muito deste tipo de música. (I don't like this type of music very much.) or Tenho aversão a este tipo de música. (If you truly detest it.)
- Note: Words like 'desgosto' (dislike), 'antipatia' (antipathy), or simply 'não gostar' (not liking) are more appropriate for weaker feelings.
Another common error is omitting the article after the preposition, especially when referring to general concepts.
- Missing Articles
- Mistake: Ele tem aversão a mentiras. (This is technically correct, but 'aos' is more common when referring to lies in general.)
- More Natural: Ele tem aversão aos mentiras. (He has an aversion to lies.)
- Note: When referring to general concepts or categories, it's common to use the preposition followed by the definite article (o, a, os, as) - 'ao', 'à', 'aos', 'às'.
By being mindful of these common errors, particularly preposition usage and the intensity of the word, you can use 'aversão' with greater confidence and accuracy.
While 'aversão' clearly denotes a strong dislike, Portuguese offers a range of words to express negative feelings, each with its own nuance in intensity and context. Understanding these alternatives helps you choose the most precise word for your meaning.
- Desgosto (Dislike/Displeasure)
- 'Desgosto' is a milder term than 'aversão'. It implies displeasure, disappointment, or a lack of enjoyment. It doesn't carry the strong, visceral rejection that 'aversão' does.
- * Aversão: Tenho aversão a cobras. (I have an aversion to snakes - strong, perhaps fearful dislike.)
- * Desgosto: Tenho desgosto com a comida sem sal. (I am displeased with the unsalted food - a milder complaint.)
A aversão dele era clara, mas o desgosto com a derrota era ainda maior.
- Antipatia (Antipathy/Dislike)
- 'Antipatia' is often used for a general feeling of dislike towards a person or a group of people, or a less intense dislike for things. It can be a precursor to 'aversão' or a less intense version of it.
- * Aversão: Tenho aversão a quem maltrata animais. (I have an aversion to those who mistreat animals - strong moral revulsion.)
- * Antipatia: Sinto antipatia por ele desde o primeiro dia. (I've felt antipathy towards him since the first day - a general feeling of not liking him.)
- Repugnância (Repugnance/Revulsion)
- 'Repugnância' is very close in meaning to 'aversão' and often implies a physical or moral revulsion, a strong sense of disgust.
- * Aversão/Repugnância: Ambos descrevem um forte nojo ou rejeição. 'Repugnância' pode ser mais focada na sensação física de nojo. (Both describe strong disgust or rejection. 'Repugnância' might be more focused on the physical sensation of disgust.)
- * Exemplo com Repugnância: Sentiu repugnância ao ver a cena. (He felt repugnance upon seeing the scene.)
- Não gostar (Not liking)
- This is the most general way to express dislike. It's suitable for any level of negative feeling, from mild to strong, but lacks the specific intensity of 'aversão'.
- * Aversão: Tenho aversão a trabalhos manuais. (I have an aversion to manual labor - implies a strong avoidance.)
- * Não gostar: Não gosto de trabalhos manuais. (I don't like manual labor - can be mild or strong.)
Using the most appropriate word will make your expression of feelings more precise and natural in Portuguese.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The root 'vertere' (to turn) is present in many English words like 'convert', 'invert', 'revert', and 'adverse'. The 'a-' prefix in 'avertere' signifies 'away' or 'from', highlighting the core concept of turning away.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'são' ending as a clear 'son' sound instead of a nasalized vowel.
- Not stressing the final syllable, leading to an unnatural rhythm.
- Pronouncing the 'v' too strongly, or incorrectly as an 'f'.
- Replacing the open 'a' sound with a shorter, clipped sound.
Difficulty Rating
CEFR A2 level. The word 'aversão' itself is relatively straightforward in meaning, but understanding its nuances and correct grammatical usage, especially the prepositions that follow it, requires some practice. Learners at this level will encounter it in contexts describing strong dislikes, which is a common theme in everyday language.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Prepositional Phrases with 'a' and its Contractions
A palavra 'aversão' é frequentemente seguida pela preposição 'a'. Dependendo do gênero e número do substantivo que se segue, a preposição se contrai com o artigo definido: a + o = ao, a + a = à, a + os = aos, a + as = às. Exemplo: Tenho aversão ao frio. Tenho aversão à escuridão.
Using 'Ter' to Express Possession of Feelings/States
O verbo 'ter' (to have) é comumente usado para indicar que alguém possui um sentimento, estado ou característica. Exemplo: Eu tenho aversão a barulhos.
Gerunds and Infinitives after Verbs of Emotion
Quando se expressa aversão a uma ação, usa-se o infinitivo do verbo. Exemplo: Tenho aversão acordar cedo.
Agreement of Adjectives
Adjetivos que modificam 'aversão' ou o objeto da aversão devem concordar em gênero e número. Exemplo: Uma forte aversão incomoda.
Negation with 'Não'
Para expressar o oposto, usa-se a negação 'não'. Exemplo: Não tenho aversão a este tipo de comida.
Examples by Level
Eu não gosto de barulhos altos.
I don't like loud noises.
Simple present tense, basic negation.
Ela não come espinafre.
She doesn't eat spinach.
Simple present tense, negation with 'não'.
Ele tem medo de altura.
He is afraid of heights.
Expressing fear with 'ter medo de'.
Eu não gosto de matemática.
I don't like math.
Simple verb 'gostar' for preferences.
Não gosto desse cheiro.
I don't like that smell.
Demonstrative pronoun 'esse'.
Ela não gosta de insetos.
She doesn't like insects.
Plural noun 'insetos'.
Ele não gosta de acordar cedo.
He doesn't like to wake up early.
Infinitive verb 'acordar'.
Eu não gosto de frio.
I don't like cold.
Abstract noun 'frio'.
Tenho uma forte aversão a barulhos altos.
I have a strong aversion to loud noises.
Using 'ter' with 'aversão' and preposition 'a'.
Ela demonstra aversão por vegetais crus.
She shows aversion to raw vegetables.
Verb 'demonstrar' and preposition 'por' (less common but possible).
Ele sente aversão à ideia de viajar sozinho.
He feels aversion to the idea of traveling alone.
Using 'sentir' with 'aversão' and contracted preposition 'à'.
O meu amigo tem aversão a filmes de terror.
My friend has an aversion to horror movies.
Possessive pronoun 'meu'.
Há uma aversão geral a este tipo de música.
There is a general aversion to this type of music.
Using 'há' (there is/are).
Sinto aversão ao cheiro de fumaça.
I feel aversion to the smell of smoke.
Contraction 'ao' (a + o).
Ela tem uma aversão profunda a insetos.
She has a deep aversion to insects.
Adjective 'profunda' modifying 'aversão'.
O público demonstrava aversão às novas regras.
The public showed aversion to the new rules.
Plural definite article 'às'.
O padeiro desenvolveu uma forte aversão ao cheiro de pão queimado.
The baker developed a strong aversion to the smell of burnt bread.
Verb 'desenvolver' (to develop).
Muitos estudantes sentem aversão à ideia de estudar em feriados.
Many students feel aversion to the idea of studying on holidays.
Plural noun 'estudantes'.
A aversão à violência é um sentimento comum.
Aversion to violence is a common feeling.
Abstract noun 'violência'.
Ele expressou sua aversão às políticas governamentais.
He expressed his aversion to the government's policies.
Verb 'expressar' (to express).
A aversão a certos alimentos pode ter causas genéticas.
Aversion to certain foods can have genetic causes.
Adjective 'certos' (certain).
Temos uma aversão inerente a situações de perigo.
We have an inherent aversion to dangerous situations.
Adjective 'inerente' (inherent).
A aversão dela por alturas é limitante.
Her aversion to heights is limiting.
Possessive pronoun 'dela' (her).
O artista pintou quadros que refletiam sua aversão à guerra.
The artist painted pictures that reflected his aversion to war.
Verb 'refletir' (to reflect).
A crescente aversão do público à publicidade enganosa levou a novas regulamentações.
The public's growing aversion to misleading advertising led to new regulations.
Adjective 'crescente' (growing) and 'enganosa' (misleading).
A aversão ao risco é um fator psicológico importante na tomada de decisões financeiras.
Risk aversion is an important psychological factor in financial decision-making.
Compound noun 'aversão ao risco' (risk aversion).
A história documenta a aversão de muitas culturas à ideia de escravidão.
History documents the aversion of many cultures to the idea of slavery.
Past participle 'documenta' (documents).
O diretor manifestou sua aversão a qualquer forma de assédio no local de trabalho.
The director expressed his aversion to any form of workplace harassment.
Noun 'assédio' (harassment).
A aversão a mudanças pode ser um obstáculo significativo para o progresso individual e coletivo.
Aversion to change can be a significant obstacle to individual and collective progress.
Noun 'obstáculo' (obstacle).
A pesquisa explorou os fatores que contribuem para a aversão a vacinas.
The research explored the factors contributing to vaccine aversion.
Verb 'explorou' (explored).
A aversão a insetos pode ser superada com terapia de exposição gradual.
Aversion to insects can be overcome with gradual exposure therapy.
Verb 'superada' (overcome) and 'gradual' (gradual).
O livro descreve a profunda aversão do protagonista à injustiça social.
The book describes the protagonist's deep aversion to social injustice.
Noun 'protagonista' (protagonist) and 'injustiça social' (social injustice).
A aversão cultural a determinados alimentos pode ter raízes históricas e antropológicas profundas.
The cultural aversion to certain foods can have deep historical and anthropological roots.
Adjectives 'históricas' and 'antropológicas'.
O discurso político frequentemente explora a aversão popular a imigrantes para angariar votos.
Political discourse often exploits the popular aversion to immigrants to gain votes.
Noun 'discurso político' (political discourse) and 'angariar votos' (to gain votes).
A aversão à incerteza é uma característica humana que influencia significativamente as nossas escolhas.
Aversion to uncertainty is a human characteristic that significantly influences our choices.
Noun 'incerteza' (uncertainty) and 'influencia' (influences).
A aversão ao fracasso pode paralisar indivíduos, impedindo-os de assumir riscos calculados.
Aversion to failure can paralyze individuals, preventing them from taking calculated risks.
Verb 'paralisar' (to paralyze) and 'impedindo-os' (preventing them).
A aversão à burocracia excessiva é um tema recorrente nas críticas à administração pública.
Aversion to excessive bureaucracy is a recurring theme in criticisms of public administration.
Adjective 'excessiva' (excessive) and noun 'burocracia' (bureaucracy).
A aversão a novas tecnologias em certos setores da sociedade reflete um conservadorismo arraigado.
The aversion to new technologies in certain sectors of society reflects deep-rooted conservatism.
Adjective 'arraigado' (deep-rooted).
A aversão à complexidade pode levar à simplificação excessiva de questões importantes.
Aversion to complexity can lead to oversimplification of important issues.
Noun 'complexidade' (complexity) and 'simplificação excessiva' (oversimplification).
A aversão à monotonia impulsiona a busca por novidades e experiências diversas.
Aversion to monotony drives the search for novelty and diverse experiences.
Noun 'monotonia' (monotony) and verb 'impulsiona' (drives).
A aversão existencial à morte, embora intrinsecamente humana, manifesta-se de formas culturalmente diversas.
The existential aversion to death, though intrinsically human, manifests itself in culturally diverse ways.
Adjectives 'existencial' and 'intrinsecamente'.
A aversão a dogmas não verificados é um pilar do pensamento cético e científico.
Aversion to unverified dogmas is a pillar of skeptical and scientific thought.
Noun 'dogmas' (dogmas) and 'pilar' (pillar).
A aversão à ambiguidade ética pode levar a posições inflexíveis e polarizadas.
Aversion to ethical ambiguity can lead to inflexible and polarized positions.
Adjectives 'ambiguidade ética' (ethical ambiguity) and 'inflexíveis' (inflexible).
A aversão ao sublime, paradoxalmente, pode ser uma fonte de fascínio e inspiração artística.
Aversion to the sublime can, paradoxically, be a source of fascination and artistic inspiration.
Adverb 'paradoxalmente' (paradoxically) and noun 'sublime'.
A aversão à efemeridade da existência humana impulsiona a criação de legados duradouros.
Aversion to the ephemerality of human existence drives the creation of lasting legacies.
Noun 'efemeridade' (ephemerality) and 'legados duradouros' (lasting legacies).
A aversão à dissonância cognitiva é um mecanismo psicológico que busca a coerência interna.
Aversion to cognitive dissonance is a psychological mechanism that seeks internal coherence.
Noun 'dissonância cognitiva' (cognitive dissonance) and 'coerência interna' (internal coherence).
A aversão à banalidade impulsiona a busca por significado e transcendência.
Aversion to banality drives the search for meaning and transcendence.
Noun 'banalidade' (banality) and 'transcendência' (transcendence).
A aversão à entropia é manifesta na tendência biológica para a ordem e a complexidade.
Aversion to entropy is manifested in the biological tendency towards order and complexity.
Noun 'entropia' (entropy) and 'tendência biológica' (biological tendency).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— This is the most common way to state that you have a strong dislike for something.
Tenho aversão a acordar cedo nos fins de semana.
— Similar to 'tenho aversão', this phrase expresses a feeling of aversion, often with a slightly more emotional connotation.
Sinto aversão por mentiras descaradas.
— Used when the reason for the strong dislike is not clear or understood, even by the person experiencing it.
Ele tem uma aversão inexplicável a melancia.
— This structure is used when referring to the general concept of aversion towards something specific, often in more formal or analytical contexts.
A aversão ao risco pode limitar o crescimento econômico.
— To cause or evoke a feeling of strong dislike or aversion in someone.
O comportamento dele pode despertar aversão nas pessoas.
Often Confused With
'Antipatia' is a general dislike, often towards people, and is usually less intense than 'aversão', which implies a more visceral or profound rejection.
'Desgosto' means displeasure or disappointment and is significantly milder than 'aversão'. You might have 'desgosto' with a meal, but 'aversão' to something that truly repulses you.
'Repugnância' is very similar to 'aversão' and often implies a physical or moral revulsion. They are often interchangeable for strong feelings of disgust.
Idioms & Expressions
— This idiom is used to describe someone who is extremely timid, fearful, or suspicious, to the point of being afraid of their own shadow. It's a hyperbolic way of expressing extreme fear or apprehension.
Ele é tão medroso que parece ter aversão à própria sombra.
— Literally 'to turn one's stomach', this phrase describes a feeling of intense disgust or revulsion, often physical, that makes one feel sick. It's a strong manifestation of aversion.
A cena do crime lhe virou o estômago, demonstrando sua aversão.
— To make a facial expression that clearly shows strong dislike or disgust.
Ela fez cara de aversão quando lhe ofereceram o prato.
— To strongly dislike or resist anything new or different. This describes a conservative or resistant attitude towards change.
Ele é um homem de hábitos e tem aversão a novidades.
— This isn't a standard idiom but could be used to describe a cold, calculated, or emotionless aversion, contrasting with a more passionate or visceral one.
Sua aversão a ele era palpável, quase como se fosse aversão a sangue frio.
— To strongly dislike being contradicted or having one's opinions challenged. It implies an ego or a strong resistance to differing viewpoints.
O chefe tem aversão a ser contrariado, por isso todos concordam com ele.
— A strong dislike for repetitive or predictable patterns of life. Someone with this aversion constantly seeks novelty.
Ela tem aversão à rotina e está sempre procurando novas aventuras.
— A strong dislike for wasting resources, be it food, time, or money. This often stems from principles of frugality or environmental consciousness.
Com a aversão ao desperdício, ele reaproveita tudo.
— A strong dislike for individuals perceived as insincere, deceitful, or pretentious.
Ele preza pela autenticidade e tem aversão a pessoas falsas.
— A strong desire to avoid any form of disagreement or confrontation.
Ele é um pacificador nato e tem aversão a qualquer tipo de conflito.
Easily Confused
Both words express dislike.
'Aversão' signifies a strong, often visceral, dislike or disinclination, implying a desire to avoid. 'Antipatia' is a more general feeling of dislike or unfriendliness, often directed towards people, and is typically less intense than 'aversão'. You might feel 'antipatia' for someone you don't know well, but 'aversão' suggests a deeper, more ingrained negative reaction.
Ele sentiu <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>antipatia</mark> por ele, mas tinha <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>aversão</mark> à sua forma de falar.
Both express negative feelings towards something.
'Aversão' denotes a strong, profound dislike, often involving a physical or psychological repulsion. 'Desgosto' is a milder term, signifying displeasure, disappointment, or dissatisfaction. You might feel 'desgosto' with a poorly made product, but 'aversão' to the smell of something rotten.
Fiquei com <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>desgosto</mark> pela comida, mas tenho <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>aversão</mark> a insetos.
Both convey intense disgust and dislike.
'Aversão' is a broad term for strong dislike and disinclination. 'Repugnância' is very close and often emphasizes a physical or moral revulsion, a feeling of being disgusted to the point of sickness. While 'aversão' can include this, 'repugnância' focuses more directly on the visceral reaction of disgust.
Sentiu <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>repugnância</mark> ao ver a cena, uma reação típica de sua <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>aversão</mark> a violência.
Both relate to strong negative feelings, often physical.
'Nojo' primarily refers to disgust, often a physical reaction to something foul or repulsive. 'Aversão' is a more general strong dislike or disinclination that can be psychological, moral, or physical. While 'nojo' can be part of 'aversão', 'aversão' is a broader term for avoidance and strong dislike.
Que <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>nojo</mark>! Tenho <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>aversão</mark> a este tipo de sujeira.
Both can lead to avoidance.
'Medo' is fear, an emotional response to perceived danger or threat. 'Aversão' is a strong dislike or disinclination, which may or may not be accompanied by fear. For example, one can have an 'aversão' to a certain food without being afraid of it, simply disliking its taste or texture intensely.
Ele tem <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>medo</mark> de altura, mas tem <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>aversão</mark> a trabalhos manuais.
Sentence Patterns
Eu tenho aversão a [noun].
Eu tenho aversão a barulhos altos.
Ele sente aversão por [noun].
Ele sente aversão por insetos.
A aversão dela a [noun] é forte.
A aversão dela a altura é forte.
Demonstrar aversão a [noun].
O público demonstrou aversão às novas regras.
A crescente aversão [preposition] [noun] levou a [noun].
A crescente aversão do público à publicidade enganosa levou a novas regulamentações.
A aversão ao [noun] é um fator [adjective] na [noun].
A aversão ao risco é um fator psicológico na tomada de decisões.
A aversão [adjective] a [noun] pode ter raízes [adjective] e [adjective].
A aversão cultural a certos alimentos pode ter raízes históricas e antropológicas.
A aversão [adjective] à [noun] é um [noun] do [noun] [adjective].
A aversão existencial à morte é um pilar do pensamento humano.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
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How to Use It
Medium. While not an everyday word for everyone, it's common enough to be encountered regularly in discussions about strong dislikes.
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Using 'de' instead of 'a' or its contractions.
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Tenho aversão <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>à</mark> altura.
The standard preposition following 'aversão' is 'a'. Using 'de' is grammatically incorrect in this context. Remember the contractions: 'a + a = à'.
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Using 'aversão' for a mild dislike.
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Não gosto muito deste tipo de música.
'Aversão' implies a strong, often visceral dislike. For a milder feeling, use 'não gosto' or 'tenho desgosto'.
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Pronouncing 'são' as 'son'.
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a-ver-SÃO (with a nasal vowel)
The final 'ão' in 'aversão' is a nasal diphthong, not a simple 'on' sound. Proper pronunciation is key to sounding natural.
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Omitting the article after the preposition when referring to general concepts.
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Ele tem aversão <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>aos</mark> insetos.
When referring to general categories or concepts, it's common and more natural to use the preposition followed by the definite article (e.g., 'aos insetos' instead of just 'a insetos').
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Confusing 'aversão' with 'medo' (fear).
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Tenho aversão a cobras, mas não tenho medo delas.
While fear can lead to aversion, 'aversão' is about strong dislike and avoidance, not necessarily terror. You can have an aversion to something you aren't afraid of, like a certain taste.
Tips
Preposition Power
Remember that 'aversão' usually takes the preposition 'a'. Pay attention to the contractions: 'ao', 'à', 'aos', 'às'. For example, 'Tenho aversão à ideia de falhar.' (I have an aversion to the idea of failing.)
Intensity Matters
'Aversão' is a strong word. Use it when you mean a deep, often visceral dislike, not just a mild preference. For weaker dislikes, consider 'desgosto' or 'não gostar'.
Nasal Sound
Practice the nasal 'ão' sound at the end of 'aversão'. It's crucial for authentic pronunciation. Imagine saying 'ow' while holding your nose slightly.
Visual Link
Picture someone physically 'averting' their gaze or body from something they intensely dislike. This visual connection between 'avert' and 'aversão' can help you remember its meaning.
Aversion vs. Antipathy
Think of 'aversão' as a stronger, more visceral reaction than 'antipatia'. 'Antipatia' might be a general dislike, while 'aversão' is a strong desire to avoid.
Sentence Building
Try creating sentences using 'aversão' with different subjects and objects of dislike. This active practice will solidify your understanding and usage.
Turning Away
Remember that 'aversão' comes from the Latin 'avertere', meaning 'to turn away'. This root meaning is a great anchor for understanding its core sense of rejection and avoidance.
Cultural Preferences
Recognize that what one culture finds acceptable, another might have an 'aversão' to. Food preferences are a common example, like the 'aversão a coentros' (cilantro) in some regions.
Beyond Dislike
In fields like psychology and finance, 'aversão' takes on specific meanings like 'aversão ao risco' (risk aversion), showing its versatility in expressing avoidance tendencies.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone with a strong 'aversion' to apples. They 'avert' their eyes every time they see one. The 'avert' sound is similar to 'aversion'. Picture them literally turning away from an apple, showing their strong dislike.
Visual Association
Visualize a person recoiling dramatically from a plate of food, making a face of extreme disgust. The word 'aversão' is written in large, bold letters above their head, emphasizing the strong negative feeling.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe three things you have a strong dislike for using the word 'aversão' and the correct prepositions. For example, 'Tenho aversão a...'
Word Origin
The word 'aversão' comes from the Latin word 'aversiōnem', which is the accusative form of 'aversiō'. This, in turn, derives from the verb 'avertere', meaning 'to turn away' or 'to avert'.
Original meaning: The original meaning in Latin was 'a turning away', 'a dislike', or 'a hatred'. It conveyed the idea of actively turning away from something undesirable.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > PortugueseCultural Context
While 'aversão' is a strong word, it's generally not considered offensive unless used inappropriately to describe a person or group without a clear, justifiable reason. It's best used to describe one's own feelings or reactions to specific things, situations, or abstract concepts.
The English word 'aversion' is a direct cognate and shares a very similar meaning and etymological root. The usage and intensity are comparable.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Personal Preferences and Dislikes
- Tenho aversão a...
- Sinto aversão por...
- Não suporto...
Food and Drink
- aversão a certos alimentos
- aversão a sabores fortes
- não gosto de...
Social and Political Opinions
- aversão à violência
- aversão a políticas
- desaprovação geral
Psychology and Health
- aversão ao risco
- aversão a agulhas
- medo de...
Sensory Experiences
- aversão a barulhos altos
- aversão ao cheiro de...
- repugnância visual
Conversation Starters
"What's something you have a strong aversion to, and why?"
"Can you think of a time you felt a strong aversion to something unusual?"
"Do you believe people are born with certain aversions, or are they learned?"
"How does one overcome a strong aversion to something?"
"What's the difference between a dislike and an aversion?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a situation where you experienced a strong aversion. What triggered it, and how did you react?
Reflect on a time you had to confront something you had an aversion to. What was the experience like?
Explore the origins of one of your aversions. Is it rational, or is it more of an instinctual feeling?
Write about how a specific aversion might be limiting your experiences or choices.
Imagine a world where everyone had the same aversions. How would society be different?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe literal translation of 'aversão' is 'aversion'. It comes from the Latin word 'aversio', meaning 'a turning away'. This etymology perfectly captures the essence of the word: a strong feeling that makes you want to turn away from something.
'Não gostar' simply means 'not liking' and can range from a mild preference to a strong dislike. 'Aversão', on the other hand, signifies a much stronger, often visceral, dislike or disinclination. It implies a deeper, more ingrained negative feeling and a tendency to actively avoid the object of the aversion.
The most common preposition used with 'aversão' is 'a'. This preposition often contracts with the definite article that follows the noun: 'ao' (a + o), 'à' (a + a), 'aos' (a + os), 'às' (a + as). For example, 'Tenho aversão ao barulho' (I have an aversion to noise).
Yes, 'aversão' can be used for people if the dislike is very strong and profound, implying a deep-seated antipathy or revulsion. However, for milder dislikes towards people, words like 'antipatia' or 'não gostar' might be more common. Using 'aversão' for a person suggests a very intense negative feeling.
'Aversão' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In everyday conversation, it's used to express strong personal dislikes. In more formal settings, such as academic or psychological discussions, it's used to describe specific phenomena like 'aversão ao risco' (risk aversion).
'Aversão ao risco' translates to 'risk aversion'. It describes a general tendency to prefer outcomes with low uncertainty to outcomes with high uncertainty, even if the latter might offer a higher expected return. It's a common concept in finance and economics.
The stress is on the last syllable: a-ver-SÃO. The 'a' is an open 'ah' sound, the 'v' is standard, and the 'são' is a nasalized vowel sound, similar to the 'ow' in 'low' but produced with air through the nose, with a very subtle 'n' at the end.
Yes, 'repugnância' (repugnance/revulsion) is very close and often emphasizes physical or moral disgust. 'Antipatia' (antipathy) is a more general dislike, often for people, and is usually less intense. 'Nojo' (disgust) is also related, often referring to a physical reaction.
While 'aversão' describes a strong dislike and avoidance, a phobia is a more intense, irrational, and often debilitating fear. However, a strong 'aversão' can sometimes be a component or a milder form of what might be considered a phobia, especially if it leads to extreme avoidance behaviors.
In many cultures, there's an 'aversão' to eating certain insects, even though they are a nutritious food source in other cultures. This illustrates how 'aversão' can be culturally influenced and not always based on inherent properties of the object itself.
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Summary
Aversão signifies a profound and often visceral dislike or disinclination, typically expressed using the preposition 'a' or its contracted forms (ao, à, aos, às). It's a stronger term than simple dislike.
- A strong dislike or disinclination.
- Implies a visceral, often instinctual, rejection.
- Typically followed by the preposition 'a' (or its contractions).
Preposition Power
Remember that 'aversão' usually takes the preposition 'a'. Pay attention to the contractions: 'ao', 'à', 'aos', 'às'. For example, 'Tenho aversão à ideia de falhar.' (I have an aversion to the idea of failing.)
Intensity Matters
'Aversão' is a strong word. Use it when you mean a deep, often visceral dislike, not just a mild preference. For weaker dislikes, consider 'desgosto' or 'não gostar'.
Nasal Sound
Practice the nasal 'ão' sound at the end of 'aversão'. It's crucial for authentic pronunciation. Imagine saying 'ow' while holding your nose slightly.
Context is Key
While 'aversão' can be used for almost anything you strongly dislike, it's particularly common when discussing fears, phobias, strong moral objections, or deeply ingrained personal preferences.
Example
Ele tem uma aversão natural a insetos.
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