Animosity: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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.