enmity against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enmity against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of hostility or animosity directed towards someone or something. Example: "There has been a long-standing enmity against the rival faction, leading to ongoing conflicts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

President Erdogan declared: "Such decisions are nothing but an expression of enmity against Turkey".

Independent

As the Taliban has continued its fight, they have directed their enmity against other officials in the local government.

The New York Times

These countries want to see prices fall below $100 a barrel to ease political enmity against the cartel.

The New York Times

One major nation that refused to sign was Korea, because of its enmity against Japan for colonizing the Korean Peninsula.

The New York Times

"It has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Musselmen," which is how Muslims was spelled back then.

The New York Times

He said he believed the enmity against him was also personal, a result of comments he made in which he said that a member of Mr. Brownback's administration was unqualified.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

A broader politics of the territory emerges through his encounters – the tribal leaders' historic alliance with the Germans during the Second World War; the Soviet invasion; old enmities against the British.

Independent

Amid civil unrest at home, the Derg pursued old enmities against its neighbours - Eritrea, Somalia, Tigray - coming close to defeat in the process, and being saved only by massive military intervention from Soviet and Cuban forces.

The Guardian - Music

"The nuclear talks showed the enmity of America against Iran, Iranians, Islam and Muslims," said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Guardian

"The nuclear talks showed the enmity of America against Iran, Iranians, Islam and Muslims".

The Guardian

"The nuclear talks showed the enmity of America against Iran, Iranians, Islam and Muslims," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enmity against", ensure the context clearly defines the object or person towards whom the enmity is directed. For instance, "The long-standing enmity against the neighboring country fueled years of conflict."

Common error

Avoid using "enmity against" to describe mere disagreement or competition. "Enmity" implies a strong, often hostile, opposition or ill will, not just a difference in opinion or approach. It's stronger than typical dislike.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enmity against" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, indicating a feeling of hostility or opposition directed toward a specific entity. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enmity against" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express deep-seated animosity or opposition toward a specific target. According to Ludwig, while usable, it's more common in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the source and target of the "enmity", and be mindful of its strong connotation. Alternatives such as "hostility towards" or "animosity toward" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that "enmity" describes something stronger than simple "dislike".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hostility towards

Focuses more on the feeling of antagonism rather than an active opposition.

animosity toward

Highlights a deep-seated ill will or resentment.

antagonism against

Emphasizes active opposition or resistance.

ill will toward

Suggests a feeling of spite or resentment.

antipathy towards

Indicates a natural or ingrained dislike.

rancor toward

Implies a bitter, long-lasting resentment.

resentment against

Focuses on a feeling of indignation and bitterness.

opposition to

Highlights disagreement and resistance.

dislike for

A milder form of aversion or disapproval.

aversion to

Expresses a strong feeling of repugnance or disinclination.

FAQs

How to use "enmity against" in a sentence?

You can use "enmity against" to describe a situation where there is a feeling of hostility or animosity directed towards someone or something. For example, "The dictator incited "enmity against" neighboring countries to distract from internal problems."

What can I say instead of "enmity against"?

You can use alternatives like "hostility towards", "animosity toward", or "antagonism against" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Each term carries a slightly different shade of meaning, so choose the one that best fits the context.

Is "enmity against" the same as "enmity toward"?

While both phrases are similar, "enmity against" often implies a more active or directed opposition, whereas "enmity toward" can suggest a more general feeling of ill will. The choice between the two depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "enmity" and "dislike"?

"Enmity" implies a stronger, often hostile opposition or ill will, going beyond mere "dislike". "Enmity" suggests deep-seated animosity, while "dislike" can be a more superficial aversion.