Definition

1. Noun:
   • Archenemy / Mortal enemy: A person, group, or force that is considered a principal, bitter, and often long-standing opponent. This term implies a deep-seated, fundamental hostility, often on a significant scale such as between nations, ideologies, or major rivals.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Hai quốc gia đó là nghịch thù của nhau trong nhiều thế kỷ. (Those two nations have been archenemies for centuries.)
  • Trong câu chuyện, anh hùng phải đối mặt với nghịch thù nguy hiểm nhất của mình. (In the story, the hero must face his most dangerous archenemy.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is formal and carries a weighty, dramatic connotation. It is often used in historical, political, literary, or philosophical contexts to describe an irreconcilable adversarial relationship.

Variants and Related Words

• Kẻ thù (n): enemy, foe. This is a more general and common term for "enemy."

  • Kẻ thù đã bị đánh bại. (The enemy was defeated.)

• Địch thủ (n): opponent, adversary (often used in competitive contexts like sports or games).

  • Anh ấy là một địch thủ đáng gờm trên sân cỏ. (He is a formidable opponent on the pitch.)

Synonyms

• Archenemy: A chief enemy.
• Mortal enemy: An enemy with hatred so deep it seems it can only end with death.
• Nemesis: A long-standing, unconquerable rival or opponent.

Related Idioms

• : mortal/hereditary enemy. This idiom emphasizes an enmity passed down through generations.
  • Hai gia tộc đó coi nhau như nghịch thù truyền kiếp. (Those two clans consider each other hereditary enemies.)