an undercurrent of animosity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an undercurrent of animosity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or hidden feeling of hostility or resentment that exists beneath the surface of a situation or relationship. Example: "Despite their polite conversation, there was an undercurrent of animosity that neither of them acknowledged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"There's an undercurrent of animosity from some of Christian religions, especially in this close area, but again," Glasier said, "they don't know us".

Huffington Post

While Natalegawa's defiant response to Australian territorial breaches looks a lot like an undercurrent of animosity, it's important to keep the broader political context in mind.

Vice

Though Natalegawa's defiant response to Australian territorial breaches looks a lot like an undercurrent of animosity, it's important to keep the broader political context in mind.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In fact, there was a detectable undercurrent of animosity directed against our fledgling Embassy emanating from Embassy Rome.

Huffington Post

It was not theatre played out to the same undercurrent of animosity that characterised Ferguson's relationship with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (at least until the Gunners ceased to be serious rivals) and former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.

BBC

"Failing to recognise opportunities in maintaining good relations with Indonesia will not only result in squandered economic opportunities, but it risks unleashing the undercurrent of animosity and distrust that exists within both countries," said Neilson.

Vice

"Failing to recognize opportunities in maintaining good relations with Indonesia will not only result in squandered economic opportunities, but it risks unleashing the undercurrent of animosity and distrust that exists within both countries," Neilson said.

Vice

"There is an undercurrent of demand".

The New York Times

There was also an undercurrent of frustration.

The New Yorker

But there was an undercurrent of disappointment.

The Guardian - Sport

There was an undercurrent of violence, a policy of harshness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an undercurrent of animosity", ensure the context clearly establishes the parties involved and the potential reasons for the underlying hostility. This provides a richer understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "an undercurrent of animosity" when the hostility is overt or easily apparent. The phrase is most effective when describing subtle, often unspoken tensions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an undercurrent of animosity" functions as a noun phrase that describes a subtle, underlying feeling of hostility or resentment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an undercurrent of animosity" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression, used to describe a subtle, underlying feeling of hostility. Ludwig AI confirms this. While relatively rare, it is found in contexts such as news and media and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the parties involved and the reasons for the animosity. Alternatives include phrases like "latent hostility" or "subtle resentment".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subtle undercurrent of resentment

Substitutes "animosity" with "resentment", emphasizing the feeling of displeasure or indignation.

a hidden animosity

Simplifies the phrase by directly stating the animosity is hidden.

an undercurrent of bitterness

Replaces "animosity" with "bitterness", emphasizing the feeling of resentment and cynicism.

a latent hostility

Replaces "undercurrent of animosity" with simpler terms, focusing on the hidden nature of the hostility.

a veiled antagonism

Replaces "undercurrent" with "veiled" and "animosity" with "antagonism", highlighting the concealed nature of the hostility.

a simmering resentment

Uses "simmering" to depict the slow-burning, underlying nature of the resentment.

an unspoken hostility

Focuses on the fact that the hostility is not openly expressed.

an atmosphere of veiled hostility

Focuses on how the hostility affect the atmosphere, using an alternative adjective.

a low-level conflict

Shifts the focus to the conflict itself, describing it as being at a low intensity.

a trace of hostility

Downplays the intensity of the animosity, suggesting only a slight presence.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an undercurrent of animosity" in a sentence?

Use "an undercurrent of animosity" to describe a subtle, underlying feeling of hostility that isn't openly expressed. For example, "Despite their polite greetings, there was "an undercurrent of animosity" between the two rivals".

What are some alternatives to "an undercurrent of animosity"?

Some alternatives include "latent hostility", "subtle resentment", or "veiled antagonism", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "an undercurrent of animosity" a formal or informal expression?

"An undercurrent of animosity" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its effectiveness depends more on the specific situation and audience than on the level of formality.

What's the difference between "an undercurrent of animosity" and "open hostility"?

"An undercurrent of animosity" describes a subtle, hidden, or underlying feeling of hostility, while "open hostility" refers to overt and unconcealed animosity.