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It is not only important, but, in a degree necessary, that the people of this country, should have an American Dictionary of the English language; for, although the body of the language is the same as in England, and it is desirable to perpetuate that sameness, yet some differences must exist. Language is the expression of ideas; and if the people of one country cannot preserve an identity of ideas, they cannot retain an identity of language. |
AD'VERSARY, n. [See Adverse.]
AD'VERSARY, a. Opposed; opposite to; adverse. In law, having an opposing party, as an adversary suit; in distinction from an application, in law or equity, to which no opposition is made.
One who is turned against another or others with a
design to oppose or resist them; a member of an opposing or
hostile party; an opponent; an antagonist; an enemy; a foe.
His ancient knot of dangerous adversaries. Agree with thine adversary quickly. It may be thought that to vindicate the permanency of truth
is to dispute without an adversary. The Adversary, The Satan, or the Devil. Syn. -- Adversary, Enemy, Opponent, Antagonist. Enemy is the only one of these words which necessarily implies a state of personal hostility. Men may be adversaries, antagonists, or opponents to each other in certain respects, and yet have no feelings of general animosity. An adversary may be simply one who is placed for a time in a hostile position, as in a lawsuit, an argument, in chess playing, or at fence. An opponent is one who is ranged against another (perhaps passively) on the opposing side; as a political opponent, an opponent in debate. An antagonist is one who struggles against another with active effort, either in a literal fight or in verbal debate. Opposed; opposite; adverse; antagonistic.
[Archaic] Bp.
King. Having an opposing party; not
unopposed; as, an adversary suit.
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