Use 'adversative' to highlight difference in ideas rather than direct fighting or arguments. Their debating styles were adversative, differing greatly in approach.
Pro Tip 2/3
Neutral Tone
‘Adversative’ doesn’t imply any negative judgment; it's a neutral observation of opposition. The critics had an adversative view on the movie's ending, though not aggressively.
Pro Tip 3/3
Academic Writing
Use in formal texts or academic works when describing contrasting theories or perspectives. In scientific discourse, adversative hypotheses often lead to breakthroughs.