averted
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈvɜːtɪd/
KK: /əˈvɜrtɪd/
adjective
Definition
Turned away or prevented from happening, often used to describe a situation where something negative is avoided.
Example
The crisis was averted thanks to quick action by the emergency services.
Conversation
I noticed you seemed a bit averted during the meeting yesterday.
Yeah, I didn't want to get involved in that argument.
I can understand why you felt averted; it was pretty tense.
Exactly! It was better to stay out of it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
turned
offended
unfavorable
Antonyms
welcoming
approving
favorable
verb
Definition
To prevent something bad from happening or to turn something away.
Example
She averted her eyes from the bright light.
Tense Forms
Past: averted
Past Participle: averted
Conversation
Did you hear about the accident on the highway?
Yeah, I did! It’s so lucky that they averted a major disaster.
I know, right? It’s amazing how quickly they responded.
Root Explanation
Averted → It is formed from "a-" (meaning away) and "vertere" (meaning to turn). The word "averted" means turned away or prevented from happening.
Memory Tip
Think of turning something 'away' ('a-') to prevent it from happening — that's what averted means.
Visually Confused Words
unaverted
inverted
caverned
beavered