Hostilely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hostilely

[ˈhɒstaɪl ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

behaving unfriendly or aggressive manner

In a hostile or unfriendly manner; showing or feeling opposition or dislike; aggressively.

Synonyms

aggressively, antagonistically, unfriendly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hostilely	Used to describe actions or attitudes that show strong dislike or anger and are intended to be standoffish or combative. She looked at him hostilely when he suggested she was wrong
aggressively	Refers to behavior that is forceful, assertive, and may involve physical or verbal confrontation. The lawyer aggressively questioned the witness
unfriendly	Describes behavior or attitude that is cold, distant, or lacking in warmth and friendliness. The new neighbor was very unfriendly and didn't say hello
antagonistically	Used when describing actions or attitudes that provoke or incite conflict intentionally. He responded antagonistically to every suggestion the team made

Examples of usage

She looked at me hostilely, her eyes narrowing.
He spoke hostilely, not willing to listen to any compromises.
The two countries have been hostilely engaged in a trade war for months.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Hostile behavior can be a defense mechanism, often stemming from past traumas or fears.
Research shows that individuals exhibiting hostility often have difficulty in social situations, affecting personal relationships.
Hostility can lead to increased stress levels, impacting both mental and physical health.

Literature

Hostile characters often serve as antagonists in stories, creating conflict and driving the plot forward.
In classic novels, the portrayal of hostile environments often reflects societal tensions or moral dilemmas faced by protagonists.
Dramatic dialogues often showcase hostility to highlight character development and emotional stakes.

Pop Culture

Movies and television shows frequently depict hostile interactions to build tension, such as in action thrillers or crime dramas.
Famous songs often use themes of hostility to express emotional struggles, reflecting societal issues or personal experiences.
In video games, hostile NPCs (non-player characters) create challenges for players, often serving as obstacles to progress.

Sociology

Communities sometimes face hostility when cultural differences lead to misunderstandings or conflict.
Social movements often arise in response to hostile environments, advocating for safer and more inclusive spaces.
Understanding the roots of hostility can help in conflict resolution and promote empathy in diverse societies.

Origin of 'hostilely'

Main points about word origin

The word 'hostile' comes from the Latin word 'hostilis', meaning 'of an enemy' or 'unfriendly'.
Originally, 'hostile' was used in warfare contexts, referring to enemy forces, showcasing its aggressive roots.
The suffix '-ly' turns an adjective into an adverb, indicating how something is done.

The adverb 'hostilely' is derived from the adjective 'hostile,' which comes from the Latin word 'hostilis' meaning 'of an enemy.' The term has been in use since the 15th century, evolving to describe actions or attitudes that are unfriendly, aggressive, or antagonistic. Over time, 'hostilely' has become a common adverb used to convey behaviors or feelings that are in opposition or dislike towards someone or something.