Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characterized by antagonism or antipathy: Having or showing a deep-seated feeling of dislike, opposition, or hostility.
   • Strongly opposed (usually followed by 'to'): Having a strong aversion or natural opposition to something.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The two leaders held antipathetical views on the issue, making cooperation impossible.
  • She was antipathetical to the proposed changes from the very beginning.
  • Their cultures were so fundamentally antipathetical that conflict seemed inevitable.

Advanced Usage

• "antipathetical to": This is the most common construction, used to indicate the object of the strong opposition or aversion.
  • The community was antipathetical to any form of commercial development in the park.
• Used in formal or academic writing to describe deep-rooted ideological, philosophical, or temperamental opposition.

Variants and Related Words

• Antipathetic (adj): The more common shorter form, identical in meaning.
  • He was openly antipathetic to the new management style.
• Antipathy (n): The noun form meaning a deep-seated feeling of dislike.
  • There was a clear antipathy between the two rival groups.

Synonyms

• Averse: Having a strong dislike or opposition.
• Hostile: Unfriendly; antagonistic.
• Opposed: In conflict or disagreement with.
• Incompatible: Incapable of existing together in harmony.

Antonyms

• Sympathetic: Feeling, showing, or expressing sympathy or favor.
• Favorable: Expressing approval or liking.
• Amiable: Having or displaying a friendly manner.

Notes on Meaning

The word emphasizes a deep, often instinctive or fundamental, opposition rather than a mild disagreement. It describes a quality of a person, group, or thing that is inherently contrary or opposed to another.

Adjective

1. characterized by antagonism or antipathy
   • slaves antagonistic to their masters
   • antipathetic factions within the party
2. (usually followed by `to') strongly opposed
   • antipathetic to new ideas
   • averse to taking risks
   • loath to go on such short notice
   • clearly indisposed to grant their request