animus
/'æniməs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A feeling of strong dislike, ill will, or hostility, often motivating opposition or antagonistic action. This is the primary and most common meaning. It refers to a deep-seated, often prejudiced, negative feeling that drives someone to act against another person or group. 2. Animus (in Jungian psychology): The masculine aspect of the female psyche, as proposed by Carl Jung. This is a specialized, technical meaning distinct from the common usage.
Usage and Examples
- Basic Usage (Feeling of Hostility):
- Despite their professional collaboration, there was a clear animus between the two politicians.
- Her criticism was driven more by personal animus than by factual errors in the report.
- The editorial was filled with animus toward the new policy.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- Legal Context: In legal language, "animus" can refer to the underlying intent or motive behind an action, especially a discriminatory one (e.g., against a protected class).
- Formal Register: The word is typically used in formal, academic, or journalistic contexts to describe deep-seated prejudice or hostility, rather than a simple, temporary annoyance.
Variants and Related Words
- Animosities (plural noun): Instances or manifestations of animus.
- Animus (Jungian psychology): As mentioned in the definition, this is a distinct, specialized term.
Synonyms
- Hostility: Unfriendly or antagonistic attitude.
- Antipathy: A deep-seated feeling of dislike.
- Animosity: Strong hostility (very close in meaning, often used interchangeably).
- Ill will: Malevolent or unkind feeling.
- Rancor: Bitterness or resentfulness, especially long-standing.
Antonyms
- Goodwill: Friendly, helpful, or cooperative feeling.
- Amity: A friendly relationship.
- Benevolence: The quality of being well-meaning; kindness.
Notes on Usage
- "Animus" is an uncountable noun when referring to the feeling itself (e.g., ). The plural "animuses" is rare; "animosities" is preferred for multiple instances.
- It is important to distinguish the common English meaning (hostility) from the specialized Jungian psychological term. Context usually makes this clear.
Noun
- a feeling of ill will arousing active hostility