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"Adversario" is an adjective which is often translated as "opposing", and "rival" is an adjective which is often translated as "rival". Learn more about the difference between "adversario" and "rival" below.
adversario, el adversario, la adversaria(
ahd
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behr
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sah
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ryoh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. opposing
La técnica del equipo adversario es muy buena y tendremos que esforzarnos mucho para ganarles.The opposing team is really good, so we'll need to work hard to beat them.
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
masculine or feminine noun
a. opponent
Su adversario tiene mucha experiencia en este tipo de torneos y será difícil de batir.His opponent has a lot experience playing in these kinds of tournaments, so he will be hard to beat.
b. adversary
Cristina es una adversaria formidable que más te vale tomar en serio.Cristina is a formidable adversary who you'd be wise to take seriously.
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rival(
ree
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bahl
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. rival
Tenemos que atraer a los clientes de las empresas rivales.We have to lure the clients of our rival companies.
b. competing
Muchos equipos rivales quieren contratar a nuestro arquero.Many competing teams want to hire our goalkeeper.
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
masculine or feminine noun
a. opponent
Le gané a mi rival 3 a 0.I defeated my opponent 3-0.
b. competitor
Tenemos que entrenar más duro que nuestros rivales.We have to train harder than our competitors.
c. rival
No le quites los ojos de encima a tu rival.Don't take your eyes off your rival.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.