Difference Between
versus

Adversary vs. Enemy: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
An adversary is a competitor or opponent, while an enemy is someone who holds active hostility or ill will.
Adversary vs. Enemy

Key Differences

An adversary is generally someone who opposes or competes against another in a specific context, such as a sports opponent or a business competitor. An enemy, however, is typically considered to harbor active animosity or ill will, often in a more personal or profound context.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Adversaries are often found in contexts like sports, legal battles, or competitive fields, where opposition is part of the normal dynamics. Enemies are more commonly referred to in contexts of war, deep-seated conflicts, or where there is a clear and profound antagonism.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
The conflict with an adversary is usually limited to a specific area, such as competition in a market or a debate. In contrast, enmity often encompasses a wider range of hostile actions, sometimes including personal vendettas or ideological battles.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Conflicts with adversaries can often be resolved through competition, negotiation, or by achieving a certain goal. However, conflicts with enemies are often more deep-rooted and may require significant efforts or changes in circumstances for resolution.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Adversary relationships can be impersonal and professional, not necessarily affecting personal feelings. Enemy relationships often involve personal feelings of hostility and can impact one's personal life more deeply.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Nature of Opposition

Competitive or opposing
Hostile or antagonistic
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Context

Sports, business, debates
War, deep conflicts, personal vendettas
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Intensity

Usually limited to specific areas
Often more intense and personal
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Resolution

Often resolvable through competition or negotiation
Resolution may require significant change
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Relationship

Can be impersonal
Often deeply personal
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Adversary and Enemy Definitions

Adversary

Someone who competes against another.
He respected his adversary in the debate for his sharp wit.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Enemy

A hostile force or nation in a conflict or war.
The two countries were enemies for decades.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Adversary

A challenger in a particular endeavor or activity.
She considered the difficult exam her adversary.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Enemy

A person or group that bears ill will towards another.
He regarded those who betrayed his trust as his enemies.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Adversary

An opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute.
In the championship game, her team faced their greatest adversary.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Enemy

An opponent in a personal, often bitter conflict.
Throughout the novel, the protagonist struggled against a personal enemy.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Adversary

An antagonist in a non-hostile competition.
In the chess tournament, each player was an adversary to the other.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Enemy

A person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone.
In times of war, identifying the enemy was a matter of survival.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Adversary

A rival in a specific area or field.
The company viewed the emerging startup as a formidable adversary.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Enemy

Someone seen as harmful or antagonistic to a cause or group.
Environmental activists often view polluting corporations as the enemy.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Adversary

An opponent; an enemy.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

One who feels hatred toward, intends injury to, or opposes another; a foe.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Adversary

Adversary The Devil; Satan. Often used with the.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

One who opposes or is hostile to an idea or cause
An enemy of democracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Adversary

An opponent or rival.
He prepared to fight his adversary.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

Something destructive or injurious in its effects
"Art hath an enemy called Ignorance" (Ben Jonson).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Adversary

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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

A hostile power or force, such as a nation.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Adversary

Opposed; opposite; adverse; antagonistic.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

A member or unit of such a force.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Adversary

Having an opposing party; not unopposed; as, an adversary suit.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

A group of foes or hostile forces. See Usage Note at collective noun.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Adversary

Someone who offers opposition
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

Of, relating to, or being a hostile power or force.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

Someone who is hostile to, feels hatred towards, opposes the interests of, or intends injury to someone else.
Under enemy duress
He made a lot of enemies after reducing the working hours in his department.
You may not want any enemies, but sometimes, your enemies choose you.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

A hostile force or nation; a fighting member of such a force or nation.
Rally together against a common enemy.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

Something harmful or threatening to another
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

Of, by, relating to, or belonging to an enemy.
The building was destroyed by enemy bombing.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

(video games) A non-player character that tries to harm the player.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

To make an enemy of.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

One hostile to another; one who hates, and desires or attempts the injury of, another; a foe; an adversary; as, an enemy of or to a person; an enemy to truth, or to falsehood.
To all good he enemy was still.
I say unto you, Love your enemies.
It was difficult in such a country to track the enemy. It was impossible to drive him to bay.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

Hostile; inimical.
They . . . every day grow more enemy to God.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

An opposing military force;
The enemy attacked at dawn
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

An armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force);
A soldier must be prepared to kill his enemies
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

Any hostile group of people;
He viewed lawyers as the real enemy
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Enemy

A personal enemy;
They had been political foes for years
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

What defines an adversary?

An adversary is someone who opposes or competes against another, often in a specific context.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Can an adversary become a friend?

Yes, adversarial relationships can turn friendly, especially if they are professional or competitive.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

What characterizes an enemy?

An enemy is characterized by active hostility or ill will towards someone.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Are adversaries found in sports?

Yes, adversaries are common in sports as opposing teams or players.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Do enemies pose a greater threat than adversaries?

Generally, yes, as enmity often involves deeper hostility or conflict.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Can nations have enemies?

Yes, nations can have enemies, typically other nations or groups they are in conflict with.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Is the relationship with an adversary always negative?

Not necessarily; it can be respectful, especially in professional or competitive contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Is it common to respect an adversary?

Yes, especially in contexts like sports or professional competition.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Is an enemy always a personal foe?

Often, but enemies can also be ideological or represent opposing groups or nations.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Is enmity more intense than rivalry?

Typically, enmity is more intense and personal than rivalry.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Can one have an adversary in a debate?

Yes, in debates, the opposing side is often seen as an adversary.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Are enemies always obvious?

Not always; sometimes enmity is hidden or not immediately apparent.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Can an adversary relationship be positive?

It can be, particularly if it drives improvement or mutual respect.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Can business competitors be adversaries?

Yes, competitors in business are often referred to as adversaries.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Can political parties be enemies?

They can be, especially if their opposition is deeply hostile.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Is it harder to reconcile with an enemy?

Generally, it is harder to reconcile with an enemy due to deeper conflicts.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Does being enemies involve personal feelings?

Often, enmity involves personal feelings of hostility.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Can one negotiate with an adversary?

Yes, negotiation is often possible with adversaries.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Can an adversary be in the same team?

In certain contexts, such as internal competition, this is possible.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Are enemies always external?

Not necessarily; one can have internal enemies, such as inner conflicts or self-doubt.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Share this page

Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

Smart TV vs. Android TVSmart TV vs. Android TV
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A Smart TV is an internet-connected television with a variety of apps, while an Android TV is specifically a Smart TV powered by Google's Android TV operating system.
Social Change vs. Cultural ChangeSocial Change vs. Cultural Change
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Social change refers to shifts in societal structures and institutions, impacting behaviors and relationships among people. Cultural change pertains to alterations in a group's shared beliefs, values, and customs, influencing their way of life.
Special Education vs. Inclusive EducationSpecial Education vs. Inclusive Education
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 17, 2024
Special Education is tailored instruction for students with disabilities, while Inclusive Education integrates all students, including those with disabilities, into general education settings.
Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 8, 2024
The Seagate Exos X16 offers up to 16TB storage with a focus on high-capacity data centers, while the Exos X18 upgrades to 18TB, enhancing performance and capacity for enterprise demands.
C3 Plants vs. C4 PlantsC3 Plants vs. C4 Plants
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
C3 plants use a direct carbon fixation process, common in cooler climates, while C4 plants have a specialized mechanism, efficient in high light and temperature.
Compression Wood vs. Tension WoodCompression Wood vs. Tension Wood
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Compression Wood is a denser, abnormal growth in softwood trees under mechanical stress, whereas Tension Wood is a less dense, fibrous growth in hardwoods under similar stress.
Term vs. SemesterTerm vs. Semester
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Term is a general period for any division of the academic year, while Semester specifically refers to half of an academic year.
Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 1, 2024
Gorilla Glass 3 offers improved scratch resistance and durability compared to its predecessors, while Gorilla Glass 5 focuses on enhanced drop protection and toughness.
Gavage vs. LavageGavage vs. Lavage
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Gavage is the process of feeding a person or animal by inserting a tube into the stomach, while lavage is the washing out of a body cavity, such as the stomach, typically for medical treatment.
Nanomaterials vs. NanoparticlesNanomaterials vs. Nanoparticles
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Nanomaterials are diverse materials with components smaller than 100nm, whereas nanoparticles are specific, ultrafine particles within this size range.
Travel Agent vs. Tour OperatorTravel Agent vs. Tour Operator
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A travel agent is a professional who arranges travel plans for individuals, while a tour operator designs and manages complete travel packages.
Batch Fermentation vs. Continuous FermentationBatch Fermentation vs. Continuous Fermentation
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 10, 2024
Batch Fermentation is a finite process where nutrients are added at the start and products are harvested at the end, whereas Continuous Fermentation involves a steady input of nutrients and continuous product harvest.
Plant Cell vs. Animal CellPlant Cell vs. Animal Cell
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts for photosynthesis, while animal cells lack these but have centrioles.
Hard Copy vs. Soft CopyHard Copy vs. Soft Copy
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A Hard Copy is a physical version of a document or file, usually on paper, while a Soft Copy is a digital version of the document, stored electronically.
Sausage vs. SmokieSausage vs. Smokie
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A sausage is a type of meat product usually made from ground meat, often pork, beef, or poultry, while a smokie is a specific type of smoked sausage.
Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese EyesJapanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Japanese Eyes and Chinese Eyes refer to linguistic structures in Japanese and Chinese respectively, each reflecting unique aspects of grammar and syntax.
2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
2 Pole Motors have one pair of magnetic poles and run at higher speeds, while 4 Pole Motors have two pairs of poles and operate at lower speeds, offering higher torque.
Absolute Privilege vs. Qualified PrivilegeAbsolute Privilege vs. Qualified Privilege
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 26, 2023
Absolute privilege is a complete defense against defamation claims, often used in legal or parliamentary contexts, while qualified privilege offers conditional protection, requiring the absence of malice.
Analog Computer vs. Digital ComputerAnalog Computer vs. Digital Computer
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
An Analog Computer processes continuous data, whereas a Digital Computer processes data in discrete numerical form.
White Collar Crime vs. Blue Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime vs. Blue Collar Crime
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
White Collar Crime involves non-violent, financially motivated offenses often committed by professionals, while Blue Collar Crime refers to physical or violent crimes often by manual laborers.
Fast Food vs. Traditional FoodFast Food vs. Traditional Food
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Fast Food is quick, convenient, and often pre-prepared, while Traditional Food emphasizes cultural recipes, longer preparation times, and home cooking.
Handsome vs. SmartHandsome vs. Smart
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Handsome describes physical attractiveness, focusing on looks, while smart denotes intelligence or cleverness, related to mental capabilities.
Consecutive vs. SubsequentConsecutive vs. Subsequent
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Consecutive refers to events or things following one after another in uninterrupted sequence, whereas subsequent denotes following in time or order, but not necessarily immediately afterward.
Goth vs. AltGoth vs. Alt
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 5, 2024
Goth is a dark, often Victorian-influenced subculture and style, while Alt (alternative) is a broader term encompassing non-mainstream styles and attitudes.

Featured Comparisons

New Comparisons