a hint of hostility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hint of hostility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or slight expression of anger or aggression in someone's tone or behavior. Example: "During the meeting, I noticed a hint of hostility in her voice when she addressed the criticism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Do I detect a hint of hostility in that "ignored"?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Her rule then is never to show that she is taken aback, never to display any hint of hostility in return.

The New Yorker

For the first time, I experience a hint of the hostility.

The Guardian - Film

The narrator, a man, describes the Wright-like figure, Franklin Stadbakken, as "that great and troubled mess of a man I once knew," and the hint of hostility is well justified.

The New York Times - Books

The only hint of hostility came after Trump did a brief impersonation of Cruz, before announcing loudly, "I've won 10 states!" Mostly, though, Trump kept his opinions to himself a sign that either something had gone terribly wrong, or that Trump, like the rest of us, is ready for these nightmare debates to be over.

Vice

The slightest hint of hostility toward religion is intolerable to the Supreme Court when directed at mainstream Christian beliefs.

Huffington Post

Nor is there a jot of hostility towards the West.

The Economist

A hint of flexibility.

The Economist

Without a hint of irony.

The New York Times

A hint of louche.

The New York Times - Magazine

A hint of horseradish?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hint of hostility" to subtly introduce tension or conflict in your writing, allowing the reader to perceive underlying emotions without being explicitly told.

Common error

Avoid using "a hint of hostility" when a stronger term like "outright aggression" is more appropriate. Ensure the phrase accurately reflects the level of animosity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hint of hostility" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb. It describes a subtle manifestation of negative sentiment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable in written English, describing a subtle expression of anger or aggression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a hint of hostility" effectively communicates a subtle presence of animosity or tension. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically sound and suitable for describing slight expressions of anger or aggression. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in news and media, and its versatility allows usage in various contexts. While "a hint of hostility" offers a nuanced way to portray conflict, it's essential to ensure it accurately reflects the level of animosity, avoiding overstatement. Related phrases like "a trace of animosity" or "a touch of antagonism" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings, each with its own subtle differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trace of animosity

Focuses on a feeling of animosity rather than outward expression.

a touch of antagonism

Emphasizes the active opposition or dislike.

a suggestion of resentment

Highlights the underlying feeling of being wronged.

a shade of animus

Uses a more formal term for ill-feeling.

a whiff of discord

Implies a lack of harmony rather than direct hostility.

a glimmer of animosity

Suggests a fleeting or barely perceptible feeling of ill-will.

a soupçon of aggression

Borrowing from French, suggests a very small amount of aggression.

an echo of bitterness

Conveys lingering negativity from a past experience.

a sign of friction

Indicates tension and potential conflict.

a degree of friction

Indicates tension and potential conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "a hint of hostility" in a sentence?

You can use "a hint of hostility" to describe a subtle display of animosity, as in, "I detected "a hint of hostility" in his tone when he mentioned my previous failures."

What's a good alternative to "a hint of hostility"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a trace of animosity", "a touch of antagonism", or "a suggestion of resentment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a hint of hostility" in formal writing?

Yes, "a hint of hostility" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing subtle interpersonal dynamics or political undertones. It offers a nuanced way to portray conflict without being overly dramatic.

What's the difference between "a hint of hostility" and "outright aggression"?

"A hint of hostility" suggests a subtle, almost imperceptible display of animosity, while "outright aggression" indicates a clear and direct act of hostility. The former is understated, the latter is overt.