harbour animosity

USAGE SUMMARY

'harbor animosity' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase means to have and show strong feelings of hatred or ill will towards someone. For example, "After their falling out, they continued to harbor animosity towards one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In her Lionel Murphy memorial lecture in June, Wong had warned that "some [opponents]... harbour animosity towards gay and lesbian people".

The Guardian

They remain staunch nationalists seeking Chechen independence and the majority do not harbour animosity toward the United States, a country that has repeatedly criticised Russia's tactics in the Caucasus and granted asylum to leaders of the Chechen resistance. .

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Maybe the pot will be smaller but the promoter still harbours enough animosity towards the difficult Mayweather to cut off his nose to spite his purse.

The Guardian - Sport

This other corner of the love rectangle harbours an animosity to the main female, typically the leading female role in the story.

The Guardian

But the Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect star appears to harbour no personal animosity towards the British quintet.

Independent

Schneider would later claim that she was coerced into doing the film's most notorious sequence, which had been thought up by Brando (she was an unknown with no professional training) and she harboured a lifelong animosity towards Bertolucci, stating, "Never take your clothes off for middle-aged men who claim that it is art".

Independent

He also feels like a bit of a mate – he's after Olgierd's soul, but he harbours no particular animosity toward you.

Vice

He harboured a lifelong animosity toward schools and teachers, saying, "Schools and schoolmasters, as we have them today, are not popular as places of education and teachers, but rather prisons and turnkeys in which children are kept to prevent them disturbing and chaperoning their parents".

Wikipedia

Bhanot believes that caste isn't actually an issue in the UK, and that the attempts to get it included in the act stem from animosity harboured by Dalits, the lowest Hindu caste, towards higher castes, due to the mistreatment of the former by the latter in India.

Vice

I harbor no animosity.

The New York Times

Mehdi releases a hearty laugh, but he is drawing on a historic animosity many Iranians harbour toward Arabs, and reflecting a sense in the more religiously observant sectors of Iranian society of a threat to the purity of Iranian women.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "harbour animosity", consider the intensity of the feeling you want to convey. It suggests a deep-seated and persistent negative emotion, so ensure it accurately reflects the context.

Common error

Remember that "harbour" is the British English spelling, while "harbor" is the American English spelling. Choose the spelling that aligns with your intended audience and writing style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harbour animosity" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of holding or maintaining feelings of animosity. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing persistent negative emotions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "harbour animosity" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of holding onto and nurturing feelings of resentment or ill will. While relatively rare in occurrence, as shown by Ludwig's examples, it is primarily found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. When using this phrase, consider its intensity and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning. Remember to choose the spelling ("harbour" or "harbor") appropriate for your audience. Alternatives like "hold a grudge" or "bear resentment" can offer similar but nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nurture animosity

Similar to foster ill will, but emphasizes the careful development of hostile feelings.

nurture resentment

Implies taking care of and helping a bad feeling to grow bigger.

bear resentment

Emphasizes the feeling of displeasure or indignation at someone's actions.

retain hostility

Highlights the persistence of unfriendly or aggressive feelings.

hold a grudge

Focuses on maintaining resentment over a past offense.

foster ill will

Highlights the active cultivation of negative feelings.

sustain antagonism

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of active opposition or dislike.

nurse a grievance

Implies carefully maintaining and dwelling on a perceived injustice.

feel bitterness

Focuses on the emotional experience of resentment and disappointment.

maintain spite

Focuses on the active desire to harm or frustrate someone.

FAQs

What does it mean to "harbour animosity"?

To "harbour animosity" means to hold onto and foster feelings of strong dislike, ill will, or resentment towards someone.

How can I use "harbour animosity" in a sentence?

You might say, "Despite the apology, she continued to "harbour animosity" toward her former friend".

What are some synonyms for "harbour animosity"?

Alternatives include "hold a grudge", "bear resentment", or "nurture resentment". Each carries slightly different nuances.

Is it "harbour animosity" or "harbor animosity"?

"Harbour animosity" is the British English spelling, while "harbor animosity" is the American English spelling. Both are correct depending on the context.