animosity
an-ih-MOSS-ih-tee
/ˌæn.ɪˈmɒs.ə.ti/
strong hostility or ill will.
Animosity is a feeling rather than an action. It is the 'spirit' of hatred that lives inside a person, often due to a past grievance.
The story behind the word. Originally, 'animosity' meant 'high spirits' or 'courage' (from the Latin 'animositas'). By the 1600s, the meaning shifted from 'spiritedness' to 'spirited hostility,' focusing entirely on the negative side of a strong temperament.
Word relationships
- enmity: Enmity is more formal and often describes a state of being enemies, while animosity is the emotional feeling of ill will.
- antipathy: Antipathy is a strong dislike or aversion, often instinctive, whereas animosity is usually earned through conflict.
- goodwill: Goodwill is the friendly hope that others succeed.
- amity: Amity is a formal word for friendship, especially between nations.
Commonly confused with
- animation: Both come from 'animus' (spirit), but animation is the presence of life/spirit, while animosity is a 'hostile spirit'.
Word family
- animus (noun): a feeling of ill will or motivation
Collocations
- personal animosity
- deep animosity
- lingering animosity
Idioms & expressions
- no love lost
Example sentences
- "Despite the peace treaty, a lingering animosity remained between the two clans for generations." Describing a historical feud between families.
- "He no longer felt any animosity toward his former critics." A quote regarding political divisions.
Memory hook
Animosity is like an 'enemy-city'—a place where everyone has a hostile spirit toward you. Animosity is the 'bad spirit' (animus) you hold against someone.
When not to use
Avoid using this for a temporary bad mood; it implies a long-standing, deep-seated resentment.
Fun facts
- The word 'animal' comes from the same root, meaning 'a thing with breath/spirit'.
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