fierce hostility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fierce hostility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong and intense feeling of animosity or opposition between individuals or groups. Example: "The two rival factions displayed fierce hostility towards each other, making any chance of reconciliation seem impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

There is fierce hostility outside to the new regime, and to the new Parliament.

The Guardian

The comic's fierce hostility to organised political parties has even been compared to Mussolini's attacks on parliamentary democracy.

The Guardian

It's about our ancestors leaving that country, often in bitter circumstances, and risking everything on a hazardous journey and being met with fierce hostility and scorn.

The New York Times

There and elsewhere, sectarian hatred seems to be on the rise, with protesters expressing increasingly fierce hostility to the Alawites, in particular.

The Economist

One Connolly trait shared by top players today is a fierce hostility on the court, said Steve Flink, a tennis analyst and historian.

The New York Times - Sports

They tend to admire Mr Ahmadinejad's fierce hostility to America and Israel, and are ashamed of their own governments' far more pliable attitudes on that score.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

LONDON — On the second day of a visit to the Irish Republic, Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday visited the site of a massacre more than 90 years ago that still evokes memories of fierce hostilities between Ireland and Britain.

The New York Times

LONDON — Queen Elizabeth II neared the end of a visit to the Irish Republic on Thursday after visiting the site of a massacre more than 90 years ago that still evokes memories of fierce hostilities and speaking of her "deep sympathy" for past suffering.

The New York Times

Jacques Chirac's position on the war in Iraq promoted fierce American hostility to all things French.

The Economist

When he faced fierce union hostility to privatisation, he promised there would be no redundancies, and made none.

The Economist

Forced out of New York by an earlier version of that fierce Protestant hostility, Smith and his followers began their years of wandering.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fierce hostility" to describe situations where the animosity is not only strong but also actively and aggressively displayed. It's appropriate when the opposition involves intense emotional engagement and potential conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "fierce hostility" in situations where the opposition is mild or merely a difference of opinion. Overusing such strong language can create unnecessary drama and misrepresent the actual situation. Consider milder alternatives like "strong disagreement" or "stiff opposition" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fierce hostility" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a state or instance of intense opposition or animosity. As Ludwig AI suggests, it correctly describes the intensity of feelings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fierce hostility" is a commonly used phrase to describe intense animosity or opposition, particularly in news and media and science contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it's a strong expression, it is generally considered appropriate for conveying serious opposition. When using this phrase, ensure the context justifies its intensity and consider milder alternatives like "strong disagreement" or "stiff opposition" when a less dramatic tone is more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense animosity

Replaces "hostility" with "animosity", suggesting a more emotional and personal antagonism.

vehement opposition

Focuses on the act of opposing something, emphasizing the strength and passion behind it.

bitter resentment

Emphasizes the feeling of indignation and ill-will caused by perceived injustice.

strong antagonism

Uses a more formal term, "antagonism", to denote active opposition or dislike.

deep-seated animosity

Highlights that the animosity is firmly established and has existed for a long time.

unyielding opposition

Suggests an opposition that is unwavering and resolute, without necessarily emphasizing animosity.

implacable hostility

Emphasizes that the hostility is impossible to appease or pacify.

unrelenting animosity

Focuses on the continuous and persistent nature of the animosity.

pronounced antagonism

Highlights the clear and noticeable nature of the antagonism.

marked opposition

Focuses on the noticeable and distinct quality of the opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "fierce hostility" in a sentence?

You can use "fierce hostility" to describe a strong and intense feeling of animosity or opposition between individuals or groups. For example: "The political rivals showed "fierce hostility" towards each other during the debate."

What can I say instead of "fierce hostility"?

Alternatives to "fierce hostility" include phrases like "intense animosity", "vehement opposition", or "bitter resentment", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "fierce hostility" or "intense hostility"?

Both "fierce hostility" and "intense hostility" are grammatically correct. The choice between them depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you wish to place on the strength of the opposition. "Fierce" often implies a more active and aggressive form of hostility.

What's the difference between "fierce hostility" and "strong disagreement"?

"Fierce hostility" suggests a deep-seated and often aggressive animosity, whereas "strong disagreement" simply indicates a significant difference of opinion without necessarily implying intense negative emotions. The former is more intense and potentially volatile.