antipathy for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "antipathy for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong feeling of dislike or aversion towards someone or something. Example: "She has a deep antipathy for dishonesty and cannot tolerate it in her friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Mr Foster's antipathy for the fence is more sweeping.

The Economist

"The antipathy for obesity is really rooted in our culture.

The New York Times

Roosevelt felt no such antipathy for his rival.

The New York Times

Why is there such antipathy for this green-skinned Shepchild?

The Guardian

His adversaries, both in and out of Syria, have expressed deep antipathy for Iran.

The New York Times

Multiple polls released this month have found overwhelming public antipathy for government surveillance.

The Guardian

A shared antipathy for American intervention in their areas has camouflaged points of conflict.

The Economist

His battles with BP have left him with a considerable fortune and antipathy for the company.

The New York Times - Magazine

Carol's receiving a diagnosis of colon cancer in 1993 didn't soften her antipathy for Arthur.

The New Yorker

Public antipathy for Japan has made it easier to mobilize people.

The New York Times

The Turkish authorities have kept the seminary closed partly out of traditional antipathy for the Greeks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "antipathy for", ensure the context clearly establishes what is causing the dislike. The stronger the context, the more effective the expression.

Common error

Avoid using "antipathy for" in situations where a milder term like "dislike of" or "aversion to" would be more appropriate. Antipathy implies a strong, often deep-seated, feeling of aversion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "antipathy for" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically following a noun or verb to express a strong feeling of dislike or aversion directed towards a specific object or person. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "antipathy for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express a strong dislike or aversion. Ludwig AI indicates its usage is accurate and widespread across various reputable sources. While synonyms like "aversion to" or "dislike of" exist, "antipathy" suggests a deeper, more reasoned aversion. When using "antipathy for", ensure the context appropriately reflects the intensity of the feeling being conveyed. This makes "antipathy for" a powerful tool for expressing nuanced negative sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aversion to

Indicates a strong dislike and desire to avoid something, similar to antipathy but potentially less intense.

dislike of

A general feeling of not liking something, less intense than antipathy.

abhorrence of

Indicates a strong feeling of repugnance and disgust, a more extreme form of antipathy.

loathing for

Expresses intense disgust and aversion, a powerful emotional response.

hostility toward

Suggests an active opposition or antagonism, adding a dimension of conflict to the dislike.

detestation of

Suggests intense hatred and loathing, a very strong negative feeling.

enmity toward

Indicates deep-seated mutual hatred and antagonism, often between groups or individuals.

resentment of

Implies a feeling of bitterness or indignation towards something, often due to a perceived injustice.

distaste for

A mild form of dislike, often related to sensory experiences or aesthetic preferences.

opposition to

Focuses on active resistance or disagreement, highlighting a conflict of ideas or interests.

FAQs

How do I use "antipathy for" in a sentence?

Use "antipathy for" to express a strong feeling of dislike or aversion towards someone or something. For example, "She has a deep antipathy for dishonesty".

What's the difference between "antipathy for" and "aversion to"?

"Antipathy for" and "aversion to" both express dislike, but "antipathy" suggests a more profound and often reasoned aversion, while "aversion" can be more instinctual.

What can I say instead of "antipathy for"?

You can use alternatives like "dislike of", "hostility toward", or "aversion to" depending on the context and the intensity of the feeling you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "antipathy towards" instead of "antipathy for"?

While "antipathy for" is common, "antipathy towards" is also grammatically correct and widely accepted. Both convey the same meaning of a strong dislike or aversion.