Foe: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in formal or literary contexts to describe a person or group that is actively opposed or hostile to someone.

• The hero finally faced his greatest foe in the final battle.
• Climate change is a common foe for all humanity.

Refers to a person who is actively hostile and wishes harm, often used in war or serious conflicts. It carries a strong negative connotation.

• In wartime, soldiers often have to fight against numerous enemies.
• She considered betrayal as the act of an enemy.

Describes someone who competes against or fights with another, typically in a formal setting like a sport or courtroom.

• In chess, each player must carefully analyze their adversary's moves.
• The lawyer presented a strong case against her adversary.

Suitable for situations involving competition or debate. It implies rivalry but not necessarily hostility.

• She trained hard to defeat her opponent in the upcoming tennis match.
• During the debate, he remained respectful towards his opponent.

Used in a more dramatic or serious context, typically when referring to someone with whom there is enmity or hostility over a long period of time. It can have a somewhat old-fashioned or literary tone.

• In the story, the hero eventually confronted his lifelong foe.
• Nature can be a formidable foe to those who venture unprepared.

Often used in formal or serious contexts, particularly in discussions of conflict, competition, or opposition. It implies a sense of active opposition or challenge.

• During the debate, she proved to be a worthy adversary.
• The chess player studied his adversary's moves carefully.

Used in both personal and professional contexts to describe someone who competes for the same goal or prize. It may imply a closer or more direct competition than 'competitor'.

• The two startups have been rivals for market dominance.
• She trained hard to outdo her rival at the swimming competition.

Commonly used in business, sports, or any competitive scenario. It emphasizes a sense of rivalry but does not necessarily imply hostility.

• Our company needs to stay ahead of the competitors.
• He is a fierce competitor on the basketball court.

Used in literary or formal contexts to describe someone who is regarded with deep opposition or hostility. Often used in historical or dramatic narratives.

• In the epic tale, the hero faced many a formidable foe.
• Her lifelong foe finally admitted defeat.

Refers to someone who is against you in a specific contest, game, or disagreement. This term is typically less emotionally charged and more neutral than 'enemy'.

• She trained hard to beat her opponent in the final race.
• In the debate, each opponent presented their views passionately.

Applies to anyone who competes or fights against you, often in a more formal or serious context such as competitions, sports, or intellectual debates.

• In the chess tournament, he was a worthy adversary.
• The company’s main adversary in the market launched a new product.

Commonly used to describe someone who feels or acts with hostility or ill will toward you. This term often suggests ongoing and active conflict.

• During the war, they fought against a relentless enemy.
• He considered gossip and slander as his true enemies.