Animosity: meaning, definitions and examples

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animosity

[ˌæn.ɪˈmɑː.sə.ti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

Strong hostility or antagonism towards someone; a deep-seated dislike or ill will.

Synonyms

animus, antagonism, enmity, hostility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
animosity	Use when describing strong feelings of hate or anger towards someone, usually developed over time. There has always been great animosity between the two families. Her animosity towards her colleague was evident in her harsh words.
hostility	Broad term for unfriendly or aggressive behavior or attitudes, can be physical or verbal. The soldiers faced hostility from the local inhabitants. His hostility towards strangers was apparent from his rude remarks.
antagonism	Describes active opposition or hostility, often in a competitive or conflicting situation. There was constant antagonism between the rival teams. The antagonism between the two parties made negotiations difficult.
enmity	Implies a deep-seated and long-lasting hatred or mutual hostility, often between individuals or groups. The enmity between the two leaders led to years of conflict. Despite their enmity, they managed to work together for the common good.
animus	More formal or literary, used to describe an underlying and often unspoken hostility or ill will. The politician disguised his animus behind a polite facade. There was a clear animus driving his actions, even though he never admitted it.

Examples of usage

They felt a mutual animosity towards each other.
The animosity between the two rival groups was palpable.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

conflict

A strong feeling of opposition, anger, or hatred that often results in open hostility.

Synonyms

animus, antagonism, enmity, hostility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
animosity	Animosity is typically used to describe a strong feeling of dislike or hatred that is often visible or expressed openly. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts. There was clear animosity between the two rivals during the debate. Despite her calm appearance, she could not hide her animosity towards him.
hostility	Hostility refers to unfriendliness or opposition, and it can range from mild to intense. It is commonly used to describe both personal and group relations. She was surprised by his sudden hostility during the meeting. The proposal was met with immediate hostility from the community.
antagonism	Antagonism is used to describe active opposition or conflict between people, groups, or ideas. It often suggests a continuing or ongoing state of opposition. There was a long history of antagonism between the neighboring countries. Her antagonism towards the new policy was evident in her speech.
enmity	Enmity connotes a deep and often mutual hatred or ill will, usually of long duration. It is often used in more dramatic or literary contexts. The enmity between the two families lasted for generations. Years of political conflict fostered a deep enmity that could not be easily resolved.
animus	Animus is often used in more formal or legal contexts to describe a deep-seated hostility or intent to harm. It can imply a driving force behind someone's behavior. The prosecutor tried to prove that the defendant had animus towards the victim. His actions were driven by an animus that was difficult to understand.

Examples of usage

The animosity between the two countries led to armed conflict.
The animosity between the players on the field was evident.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'animositas', meaning 'spirit, courage, or anger'.
It can be traced back to the word 'animus', which means 'soul' or 'mind', showing a connection to strong feelings.
The term has been used since the late 17th century to describe deep-seated hostility.

Psychology

People often feel animosity as a response to perceived threats or harms inflicted by others.
It can stem from experiences of betrayal or injustice, leading to long-lasting grudges.
The feeling can have physical effects, such as increasing stress levels and blood pressure.

Literature

Animosity is a common theme in literature, often driving conflicts between characters.
In Shakespeare’s works, characters frequently express animosity, highlighting human struggles.
Modern novels often explore how animosity can evolve into resolution or understanding.

Pop Culture

Many famous feuds in music and film illustrate animosity, keeping audiences intrigued.
TV shows often portray animosity between characters to create drama and tension.
Social media can amplify animosity, as online interactions can lead to misunderstandings.

Conflict Resolution

Understanding the roots of animosity is key to resolving conflicts and promoting peace.
Mediation techniques can help parties address their animosity and find common ground.
Empathy and communication are crucial in overcoming feelings of animosity.

Translations

Translations of the word "animosity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 animosidade

🇮🇳 द्वेष

🇩🇪 Feindseligkeit

🇮🇩 permusuhan

🇺🇦 ворожість

🇵🇱 wrogość

🇯🇵 敵意 (てきい)

🇫🇷 animosité

🇪🇸 animosidad

🇹🇷 düşmanlık

🇰🇷 적대감

🇸🇦 عداء

🇨🇿 nepřátelství

🇸🇰 nepriateľstvo

🇨🇳 敌意 (dí yì)

🇸🇮 sovražnost

🇮🇸 óvild

🇰🇿 жаулық

🇬🇪 მტრობა

🇦🇿 düşmənçilik

🇲🇽 animosidad

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,107, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15104 buoyant
15105 quilt
15106 injecting
15107 animosity
15108 vanquished
15109 angina
15110 hostage
...