antagonism

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "antagonism" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to hostile attitudes or actions between two or more people or groups. For example: "The antagonism between the two political parties has been growing over the past few weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He said that it was "not helpful that we have this antagonism between police officers and politicians but we need to move on".

The Guardian

Outside mining areas, antagonism – more against Scargill himself than his members – encouraged scepticism about police brutality and the manufacture of evidence against peaceful pickets.

The Guardian

In one sense this hardly seems newsworthy, but it is telling that even economists think that F Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece offers the most resonant (and economical) shorthand for the problems of social mobility, economic inequality and class antagonism that we face today.

The Guardian - Books

There is a playful antagonism between the inhabitants of New Zealand's two islands, North and South.

The Guardian - Books

Given Murdoch's long antagonism towards the EU, the use of the adjective "spectacular" is warranted.

The Guardian

The research company's study questioned people across 10 broad areas, probing attitudes towards the digital revolution, healthcare, generational antagonism and immigration.

The Guardian

He attributes the antagonism to Ida mainly to "a right wing in Poland that's off its head and generates this feeling that we're being besieged, under some permanent struggle – completely ignoring the reality of Poland".

The Guardian - Film

The drama of this moment is heightened all the more as it is clearly set against the backdrop of the French city and the Casbah – two worlds forever locked in mutual antagonism.

The Guardian

"I never saw any antagonism.

The Guardian - Film

The major principles involved have, of course, been established for some time; they are wrapped up in the old antagonism to the doctrine that Might is Right.

The Economist

Although Mr Ghani struck a power-sharing deal with Mr Abdullah, antagonism between the two camps remains high, and there are problems in forming a government.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "antagonism", ensure the context clearly defines the parties involved and the nature of their conflict. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "antagonism" to describe minor disagreements or simple differences of opinion. The word implies a strong, often deep-seated hostility, so ensure it aligns with the severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "antagonism" is as a noun, referring to a state of opposition or hostility. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in describing conflict and friction between entities, as shown in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "antagonism" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that denotes a state of hostility or opposition. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. When employing this term, it's crucial to ensure that the intensity of the conflict matches the strong connotation of "antagonism". Related terms such as "hostility" and ""enmity"" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. By understanding these distinctions, writers can effectively convey the appropriate level of conflict in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hostility

A more direct and general term for unfriendly behavior.

Enmity

Implies a deep-seated and often mutual hatred.

Rivalry

Focuses on competition and opposition, often in a specific context.

Conflict

A broader term encompassing various forms of disagreement and struggle.

Opposition

Highlights resistance or disagreement with a particular idea or action.

Friction

Suggests tension and discord, often arising from differing opinions or interests.

Discord

Emphasizes a lack of harmony and agreement.

animosity

Indicates strong dislike or ill will.

Contention

Implies a struggle or competition, often involving opposing viewpoints.

Bad blood

An idiomatic expression referring to long-standing animosity or resentment.

FAQs

How to use "antagonism" in a sentence?

You can use "antagonism" to describe a state of opposition or hostility between people or groups. For example, "The long-standing "enmity" between the two families fueled years of "antagonism"".

What can I say instead of "antagonism"?

You can use alternatives like "hostility", ""enmity"", or "rivalry" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "antagonism" or "antagonistic"?

"Antagonism" is a noun, referring to a state of opposition. "Antagonistic" is an adjective, describing something that shows or causes "antagonism".

What's the difference between "antagonism" and "opposition"?

"Opposition" refers to resistance or disagreement, while "antagonism" implies a more active and often hostile form of opposition. "Antagonism" suggests a deeper and more emotional conflict.