To reverse is to turn back, to convert is to turn into something else and to divert is to turn aside. vert (also vers) means “turn,” and ten words on the list are built on it.
Key idea
vert, vers = turn.
As with ject and tract, the prefix gives the direction. avert: turn away. subvert: turn from below, overturn. controversy: a turning against. adversary: one turned toward you, to oppose you. universal: turned into one. versatile: able to turn easily from one thing to another.
The parts and their words
Words taken apart
| Word and meaning | Parts, and what they say |
|---|---|
| avert to turn away; to prevent something bad from happening | a- away + vert turn → “turn away” |
| adverse harmful or unfavorable | ad- against + vers turn + -e → “turned against” |
| averse strongly opposed or unwilling | a- away + vers turn + -e → “turned away” |
| versatile able to do many different things well | vers turn + -atile able to → “able to turn (to many things)” |
| inadvertent done by accident, without meaning to | in- not + ad- toward + vert turn + -ent → “not turning toward (not paying attention)” |
| subvert to secretly undermine or overturn something established | sub- from below + vert turn → “turn over from below” |
| controversy a long public disagreement | contro- against + vers turn + -y → “a turning against” |
| universal applying to all | uni- one + vers turn + -al → “turned into one” |
Worked example: Two look-alikes
Which word fits each sentence: adverse or averse? (1) “The hikers turned back because of ______ weather.” (2) “My cat is ______ to baths.”
- adverse = ad- (against) + vers (turn): turned against you, so harmful or unfavorable. It describes conditions and effects.
- averse = a- (away, from ab-) + vers: turned away, so unwilling. It describes a person’s (or a cat’s) feelings.
- Weather can be against you; a cat can turn away from a bath.
Answer: (1) adverse weather; (2) averse to baths.
Meet the words
Common mistake
Mixing up adverse (harmful, unfavorable: adverse effects) and averse (unwilling, opposed: averse to risk). Both share vers (turn), but adverse things turn against you, while an averse person turns away.