The phrase "hadst an aversion to" is spelled using a combination of Middle and Early Modern English. "Hadst" is the second person singular past tense of "have" and is pronounced /hædst/. "Aversion" is spelled phonetically as /əˈvɜːʃən/, and refers to a strong dislike or prejudice towards something. The use of archaic language can pose a challenge for modern readers, but it adds an air of literary sophistication to written works.
"Hadst an aversion to" is an archaic phrase derived from Old English, commonly found in classical literature, and it denotes a strong dislike or distaste for something or someone. Comprised of two parts, "hadst" is the second person singular past tense of the verb "to have," indicating possession or experience, while "aversion" refers to a feeling of intense opposition, repugnance, or avoidance directed towards a particular object or person.
When someone "hadst an aversion to" something, it suggests that they possessed a deep-seated and personal disdain or revulsion towards it. It encompasses a range of negative emotions such as disgust, repulsion, or antipathy, which may lead to one actively avoiding or rejecting the object of their aversion. This strong sense of dislike often arises from one's personal preferences, values, previous experiences, or inherent tendencies.
In literary contexts, the phrase is used poetically or to evoke a sense of historical or archaic language. For example, a character in a novel from a bygone era might "hadst an aversion to" a certain type of music because it reminded them of a painful memory or a subject matter they find morally objectionable. Adjacent phrases might include "held a strong distaste for" or "felt an intense repugnance towards," as they convey a similar sentiment.