adversity

Everyday

1. A very hard or unlucky time, full of problems and troubles: illness, being poor, losing someone, or facing danger. tree →
2. A particular difficult event or misfortune (plural adversities). tree →

In the lessons

In stories and history lessons heroes often «overcome adversity», showing courage and patience. In PSHE and ethics it is linked to resilience: getting through hard times. Phrases: «in the face of adversity», «overcome adversity», «triumph over adversity».

Examples

• She showed great courage in the face of adversity. tree →
• The team overcame adversity to win the final. tree →
• The family faced many adversities after the flood. tree →
• Adversity can make friends grow closer. tree →
• The story is about a boy who triumphs over adversity. tree →
• Helen Keller's life is an example of courage in adversity. tree →
• We must make friends in prosperity if we would have their help in adversity. tree →

Note

Formal word; everyday words are «hard times», «trouble». Mostly uncountable: «in adversity». Related: «adverse» (harmful, unfavourable: «adverse weather»). Do not confuse with «adversary» (an enemy or opponent).

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Proverbs praises true friends and the righteous who rise again, and tradition teaches that hard times test faith and character. In the primary lessons: In stories and history lessons heroes often «overcome adversity», showing courage and patience. In PSHE and ethics it is linked to resilience: getting through hard times. Phrases: «in the face of adversity», «overcome adversity», «triumph over adversity».

Examples

• A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Writings PRO.17.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small indeed. (Writings PRO.24.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• For a righteous man falleth seven times, and riseth up again, but the wicked stumble under adversity. (Writings PRO.24.16, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Formal word; everyday words are «hard times», «trouble». Mostly uncountable: «in adversity». Related: «adverse» (harmful, unfavourable: «adverse weather»). Do not confuse with «adversary» (an enemy or opponent).