aversion
der Widerwille
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aversion
A strong inner aversion to someone, something, or an activity, which may be associated with reluctance or disgust.
Schon der Geruch des verdorbenen Fleisches löste in ihr heftigen Widerwillen aus.
Even the smell of the spoiled meat triggered a strong sense of aversion in her.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Widerwillens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Widerwille | – |
| accusative | den Widerwillen | – |
| dative | dem Widerwillen | – |
| genitive | des Widerwillens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
You can indicate what the aversion is directed toward with „gegen“ (against) and the accusative. This can be a person, a thing, or an activity.
Ihr Widerwille gegen den neuen Chef wurde immer stärker.
Her aversion to the new boss grew stronger and stronger.
The phrase „mit Widerwillen“ (reluctantly) describes the inner attitude with which someone does something. „nur mit Widerwillen“ (only reluctantly) emphasizes that the person has to overcome their reluctance to do it.
Er übernahm die zusätzliche Aufgabe nur mit Widerwillen.
He took on the additional task only reluctantly.
Typical collocations include „Widerwillen empfinden“ (to feel aversion), „Widerwillen auslösen“ (to trigger aversion), and „seinen Widerwillen überwinden“ (to overcome one's aversion). The last phrase describes someone taking action despite their inner aversion.
Sie überwand ihren Widerwillen und machte das schmutzige Bad sauber.
She overcame her aversion and cleaned the dirty bathroom.
