Word: Animosity
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Animosity is a strong feeling of dislike or hatred towards someone or something. It can lead to active hostility, meaning that the feelings can cause people to act negatively or aggressively towards each other.
Usage Instructions:
When to use: You can use "animosity" when talking about conflicts or negative feelings between people, groups, or even ideas. It is usually used in more serious contexts.
How to use: Typically, "animosity" is used to describe ongoing feelings rather than a single incident of anger.
Examples:
"There was a lot of animosity between the two rival teams, especially during the championship game."
"The animosity between the neighbors made it difficult for them to live peacefully in the same community."
Advanced Usage:
In literature or formal writing, you might encounter phrases like "long-standing animosity" to indicate that the dislike has been present for a long time.
You might also see it in discussions about historical conflicts, such as "The animosity between the two countries has lasted for decades."
Word Variants:
Animosities (plural): Refers to multiple instances or types of ill will. For example, "The animosities between different factions in the group were evident."
Animosity-driven (adjective): Describes actions or behaviors motivated by animosity. For example, "Their animosity-driven actions led to further conflict."
Different Meanings:
While "animosity" mainly refers to feelings of hostility, it can sometimes be used in a broader sense to discuss negative relationships or rivalries in various contexts.
Synonyms:
Hostility
Hatred
Antipathy
Enmity
Resentment
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly use "animosity," you might hear phrases like: - "Bury the hatchet" - which means to make peace and end animosity. - "Hold a grudge" - which means to continue feeling animosity towards someone for a long time.
Summary:
Animosity is a strong dislike that can lead to conflict and hostility. It is important to recognize feelings of animosity in relationships, as they can escalate and create problems.