animosity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "animosity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong feeling of hostility or resentment towards someone or something. Example: "There was a palpable animosity between the two rival teams, which made the competition even more intense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unlike in other European capitals, where one can perceive a degree of animosity and frustration with Cameron's tricks and tactics, Spain has no special interest in making things hard for the British prime minister.

The Guardian

After a visit to the constituency, the Labour MP Tom Watson stirred the pot by saying: "I have never encountered such animosity on the doorstep against an incumbent MP – particularly one as high-profile".

The Guardian

But given the animosity shown towards him by senior Tories – just before the election, they plotted to unseat him – the Conservatives might be unwise to expect him to favour them.

The Guardian

In spite of animosity between Iran and Israel, Iranians are the least antisemitic people in the Middle East, according to the latest poll by the US-based Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

The Guardian

In a sign of that animosity, Akinci announced within days of his election that it was about time Ankara stopped treating Cyprus "as a child".

The Guardian

He said he held no animosity in his heart.

The Guardian

The real heat of tribal animosity was certainly still in evidence in the 1980s when the so-called "hip-hop wars" raged within the offices of influential music magazine NME.

The Guardian - Music

If Blatter was oblivious to Fifa's international reputation, Dyke appears similarly unaware of any animosity towards the FA.

The Guardian

This personality split was found to be even more pronounced in female comedians, possibly a result of the animosity many face in a notoriously male-dominated environment.

The Guardian

In three-hour meeting Clegg told his colleagues they had dealt with intense pressure on the vote with "great dignity", and that he was very proud there had been no animosity.

The Guardian

In addition to the rift with Syria over Lebanon (and previously with Libya over an alleged attempt to assassinate him), Abdullah could not overcome the animosity of other partners in the Gulf co-operation council.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "animosity" to describe situations with a clear and active display of hatred or opposition. It's stronger than simple dislike and implies a degree of active antagonism.

Common error

Avoid using "animosity" when a situation only involves mild disapproval or indifference. "Animosity" denotes a strong, often hostile, sentiment.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "animosity" is as a noun. It refers to a strong feeling of dislike or hatred, often leading to active opposition. Ludwig AI examples show its use in describing relationships between people, groups, or even countries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "animosity" is a grammatically correct noun widely used to describe a strong feeling of hatred or active opposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts and can be replaced by synonyms like "hostility" or "antipathy" depending on the specific nuance required. When using "animosity", be sure that the context involves a significant level of active antagonism, rather than simple dislike. Pay attention to the common error of overusing it in situations that require a softer description of negative sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hostility

This alternative emphasizes open antagonism and aggression.

antipathy

This suggests a deep-seated feeling of aversion.

rancor

This highlights bitter, long-lasting resentment.

enmity

Focuses on a state of deep-seated hatred and active opposition.

bitterness

Implies a painful resentment, often from past grievances.

ill will

Suggests a desire for misfortune to befall someone.

resentment

Highlights a feeling of indignation at being treated unfairly.

dislike

A milder form, indicating a lack of fondness.

aversion

Indicates a strong feeling of disgust or disinclination.

bad blood

Highlights the long-standing conflict and animosity.

FAQs

How to use "animosity" in a sentence?

The word "animosity" is used to describe strong hostility or active opposition towards someone or something. For example, "There was a palpable animosity between the two rival factions."

What can I say instead of "animosity"?

You can use alternatives like "hostility", "antipathy", or "rancor" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "animosity" or "enmity"?

"Animosity" and "enmity" are similar, but "enmity" suggests a more prolonged and deeply rooted hatred, while "animosity" can refer to a more immediate or actively displayed opposition.

What's the difference between "animosity" and "resentment"?

"Resentment" implies a feeling of indignation or bitterness caused by a perceived wrong, while "animosity" represents a more active and hostile form of dislike or opposition.