adversative conjunction

7.9

A word that connects two ideas to show contrast, like but

noun
/ˈædvərˌseɪtɪv kənˈdʒʌŋkʃən/

Specialized

: conjunción adversativa

In the sentence 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining,' the adversative conjunction 'but' shows contrast.

Examples

The word 'but' is an example of an adversative conjunction in English grammar.
Writers often use an adversative conjunction to highlight differences between two statements.
In the sentence 'She tried hard, but she failed,' the adversative conjunction links contrasting ideas.
An adversative conjunction connects contrasting ideas.
Words like 'but' are examples of adversative conjunctions.
The adversative conjunction in the phrase 'She is talented, yet she is humble' illustrates how two opposing traits are connected.
An adversative conjunction such as 'however' is essential for indicating opposition between different ideas in writing.

How Contrasting

on the contrary

68 3.2

adversative conjunction

Specialized

7.9

however

Formal

∞ 2.6

but

∞ 1.0

though

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

adversative conjunction singular

adversative conjunctions plural

Morphology

adversative + conjunction

The meaning 'a conjunction that expresses contrast' is directly and compositionally derived from 'adversative' (showing opposition) + 'conjunction' (a linking word). This adjective + noun pattern is transparent and cross-linguistically paralleled (e.g. Spanish 'conjunción adversativa'), so a learner who knows the constituents will readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Adversative conjunction names small words like but and however that join two ideas and show a contrast between them. Think of but as a little sign placed between two sentences that stops one thought and points to the other, so these words tell the reader 'this is different' or 'on the other hand'.