ancient enemy

USAGE SUMMARY

"ancient enemy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a long-standing opposition or rivalry, particularly if the parties involved have had a contentious history. For example: "The ancient enemy of the Smiths and the Joneses has been at odds for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"The hunting dogs' ancient enemy".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Moreover, Ahla Sunna is distrusted because it gets military support from Ethiopia, the Somalis' ancient enemy.

The Economist

When the mongoose fights the cobra, its ancient enemy, it hops back just in time before the snake strikes.

The New Yorker

Ironically, Austria existed from 1815 to 1914 in a symbiotic relationship with her ancient enemy, the Ottoman Empire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To Salmond's nationalists, the glittering prize — the romantic dream of independence from Scotland's ancient enemy, England — is finally in sight.

The New York Times

Battle against an "ancient enemy" in a First World War setting, with beefy visuals and a choice of tactics.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

By October, Poland was in the hands of its two ancient enemies.

The New Yorker

Sitting in a black BMW limousine, she juggled two cellphones, slowly nudging two ancient enemies together, if only temporarily.

The New York Times

." Telling these ancient enemies not to kill each other will not take the U.S. and the West far.

The New York Times

Anasazi has been interpreted to mean either "ancient enemies" or "ancient ones," in the language of the Navajos, who arrived several hundred years after the Anasazi had departed.

The New York Times - Travel

Anasazi is a Navajo word "interpreted to mean ancient enemies or enemy ancestors" but now is used simply meaning "the ancient ones".

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ancient enemy", ensure the context clearly establishes the long-standing nature of the conflict. Provide historical background or context to emphasize the duration of the animosity.

Common error

Avoid using "ancient enemy" in situations where the rivalry is relatively recent or not deeply rooted in history. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make the writing sound melodramatic or exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ancient enemy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a noun with a long-standing and historical antagonism. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ancient enemy" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a long-standing and deeply rooted antagonism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. The phrase commonly appears in news and media, encyclopedias, and other formal contexts. When employing this term, provide sufficient context to highlight the historical duration and significance of the conflict. Related phrases include "longstanding foe" and "historical adversary". While widely accepted, avoid overuse in situations where the rivalry is recent. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of enduring opposition, enriching the descriptive power of the text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longstanding foe

Emphasizes the duration of the animosity.

historical adversary

Focuses on the historical context of the opposition.

traditional rival

Highlights the conventional or established nature of the rivalry.

perennial opponent

Stresses the recurring and continuous nature of the opposition.

archrival from antiquity

Emphasizes the ancient origin and intensity of the rivalry.

age-old nemesis

Highlights the age and severity of the opposition.

long-term adversary

Focuses on the extended timeframe of the adversarial relationship.

historic opponent

Underscores the importance of historical events in shaping the opposition.

old-time foe

Indicates a foe of old times.

time-honored rival

Stresses the long tradition and history of the rivalry.

FAQs

How can I use "ancient enemy" in a sentence?

You can use "ancient enemy" to describe a long-standing rivalry between groups, nations, or even individuals. For example, "The two countries have been ancient enemies for centuries".

What can I say instead of "ancient enemy"?

You can use alternatives like "longstanding foe", "historical adversary", or "traditional rival" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "ancient enemy" or "old enemy"?

"Ancient enemy" emphasizes a longer and more deeply rooted history of conflict than "old enemy". Both are correct, but "ancient enemy" conveys a more significant and historical animosity.

What's the difference between "ancient enemy" and "ancestral enemy"?

"Ancient enemy" refers to a long-standing enemy, while "ancestral enemy" specifically implies that the enmity has been passed down through generations. The term "ancestral enemy" suggests a hereditary aspect to the conflict.