adversarial attitudes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adversarial attitudes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mindset or approach characterized by opposition or hostility, often in contexts such as negotiations, debates, or competitive situations. Example: "The adversarial attitudes between the two teams made collaboration nearly impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The liberal quest for absolute "equality" (epitomised in affirmative action for non-whites or women) encouraged adversarial attitudes and undermined appropriate legitimacy.

The Guardian

Technology innovators tend to operate with an ethos that they consider diametrically opposed to that of government, frequently leading to friction and adversarial attitudes.

TechCrunch

EDD is a source of personal conflicts, of communication breakdown in intimate relationships, and of adversarial attitudes - including hatred - towards groups of people who differ in their beliefs, traditions, values or ways of life from your own.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Conservatives too often adopt an adversarial attitude with the media.

The New York Times

France's state-dominated industry has usually had a more adversarial attitude.

The Economist

"That adversarial attitude on the part of the patients is reflected in how they relate to doctors," she added.

The New York Times

Many techies also evince an aggrieved, adversarial attitude toward the establishment or, in tech-speak, TPTB, "The Powers That Be".

The New York Times - Books

Mr Havel, the dissident playwright who led the Czechs and Slovaks to freedom from communism in 1989, abhors Mr Klaus and his adversarial attitude.

The Economist

Climbers could make more money washing windows at the visitor's lodge, and that was often what lured members away from search and rescue – that and frustration with the park's adversarial attitude towards climbers.

The Guardian - Sport

And in a world governed by silence, stealth and absolute trust, the specter of a protracted public investigation has unleashed suspicion and finger-pointing that have polluted an atmosphere of command loyalty with an adversarial attitude of every man for himself.

The New York Times

Judaism and Islam, being Abrahamic religions, share Christianity's adversarial attitude toward possession.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing interactions or relationships, using "adversarial attitudes" effectively conveys a sense of conflict or disagreement. Use this when you want to show a state of discord.

Common error

Avoid using "adversarial attitudes" when a situation involves simple disagreement rather than outright hostility. Using a milder term like "differing perspectives" can be more appropriate in neutral settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adversarial attitudes" functions as a descriptive term, typically acting as a subject complement or an adjectival modifier. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes a mindset characterized by opposition or hostility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adversarial attitudes" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a mindset marked by opposition and hostility. As Ludwig AI points out, it's usable in various contexts, most frequently in news and media, but also in scientific discussions. Related phrases include "antagonistic behavior" and "hostile disposition". When writing, ensure the context warrants the strong connotation of conflict implied by this phrase. While not extremely common, its consistent use in reliable sources solidifies its appropriateness in formal and professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

antagonistic behavior

Focuses on the behavioral manifestation of opposition rather than the underlying mindset.

hostile disposition

Emphasizes the inherent nature of being unfriendly and aggressive.

combative mentality

Highlights the readiness and eagerness to engage in conflict.

belligerent stance

Implies a more aggressive and war-like posture.

confrontational approach

Suggests a deliberate and direct engagement in opposition.

aggressive mindset

Underscores the proactive and forceful nature of the attitude.

contentious spirit

Emphasizes the tendency to argue and dispute.

rivalrous mindset

Highlights the competitive and opposing nature.

oppositional outlook

Focuses on the general perspective of being against something.

conflicting views

Puts the focus on differences in ideas instead of the attitude.

FAQs

How can I use "adversarial attitudes" in a sentence?

You can use "adversarial attitudes" to describe situations where there is open conflict or hostility. For instance, "The "adversarial attitudes" between the two departments hindered collaboration."

What are some alternatives to "adversarial attitudes"?

Alternatives include "antagonistic behavior", "hostile disposition", or "combative mentality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "adversarial attitude" instead of "adversarial attitudes"?

While "adversarial attitude" can be grammatically correct, it refers to the disposition of a single entity. "Adversarial attitudes" is more appropriate when describing the collective mindset or behaviors of multiple entities.

What's the difference between "adversarial attitudes" and "competitive spirit"?

"Adversarial attitudes" imply a sense of opposition or hostility, while "competitive spirit" suggests a desire to win or excel, which doesn't necessarily involve animosity.