animosity
an-uh-MAH-suh-tee
/ˌæn.ɪˈmɒs.ə.ti/
A feeling of strong dislike, ill will, or active hostility between individuals or groups.
Refers to an active, lingering friction between parties rather than a silent, internal revulsion.
The story behind the word. In Latin, 'animositas' originally meant high spirit, courage, or vehemence. Over centuries, 'spiritedness' soured into 'spirited opposition', eventually giving modern English a word that means active hostility.
Word relationships
- hostility: Hostility can describe active opposition or military warfare, while animosity usually describes persistent bad feelings.
- antagonism: Antagonism highlights active conflict or resistance, whereas animosity emphasizes the underlying emotional hatred.
- goodwill: Goodwill refers to a friendly and helpful attitude toward others.
- amity: Amity means peaceful and friendly relations between people or nations.
Commonly confused with
- animus: Animus refers specifically to the driving motivation or intent behind hostiity, whereas animosity is the hostile feeling itself.
Word family
- animus (noun): A feeling of ill will or a motivating spirit.
Collocations
- deep-seated animosity
- personal animosity
- harbor animosity
Example sentences
- "There was a degree of animosity in her tone that shocked the entire room." Classic literature
- "Despite years of bitter animosity, the two tech giants agreed to settle their patent lawsuit out of court." Corporate negotiation
Memory hook
ANIMAls in a cage full of HostiliTY will show intense ANIMOSITY. Spirited hostility.
When not to use
Avoid using for momentary irritation; it describes sustained mutual or directed ill will.
Fun facts
- 'Animosity' shares its Latin root 'animus' (spirit) with 'animal' (a living, breathing spirit) and 'animated'.
Explore more words
antagonism, rancorous, antipathy, feud, antagonize, spiteful
Also appears in
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