hostile attitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hostile attitude" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to a negative attitude that someone has towards another person, such as hostility, aggression, or animosity. For example, "The leader's hostile attitude caused a lot of tension in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We take a hostile attitude to personalised infection.

The Guardian

The hostile attitude toward Pakistan is still firmly embedded in India".

The New York Times

"They work inside these fancy buildings where there's this inexplicable hostile attitude towards bicycles," he said.

The New York Times

Prejudice, adverse or hostile attitude toward a group or its individual members, generally without just grounds or before sufficient evidence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They refused to recognise the legitimacy of the state and maintained a hostile attitude towards the establishment.

Independent

Mr. Mironov, the Just Russia leader, criticized the hostile attitude toward political opposition by the governing authorities.

The New York Times

After her third electoral victory in 1987, she adopted a steadily more hostile attitude toward European integration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Zuma has adopted a more hostile attitude towards Mugabe, saying that "the region cannot afford a deepening crisis in Zimbabwe".

The Guardian

There are countries that adopt a hostile attitude towards the Syrian government, especially France and the UK.

The Guardian

The administration's hostile attitude communicates a sense of arrogance and contempt for international cooperation that ill serves American interests.

The New York Times

While post-industrial Britain is defined by "a more hostile attitude to asset wealth; stronger local identities – which become fractious where the labour market is globalised".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "hostile attitude", be specific about its manifestations. Instead of simply stating someone has a "hostile attitude", describe the behaviors or expressions that demonstrate it, such as aggressive language or dismissive gestures.

Common error

Avoid using "hostile attitude" as a vague descriptor. Ensure the context clearly illustrates the reasons behind the hostility and its impact on the situation. Without sufficient context, the phrase can sound accusatory or unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostile attitude" functions as a noun phrase describing a negative disposition or feeling. It's used to characterize someone's demeanor or approach as unfriendly, aggressive, or antagonistic. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hostile attitude" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a negative and aggressive disposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific examples of the behaviors that constitute the hostility to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "antagonistic demeanor" or "aggressive stance" can offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments, while maintaining clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inimical behavior

Uses a more formal term to describe behavior that is harmful or obstructing.

antagonistic demeanor

Emphasizes outward behavior and conduct, making it more descriptive.

adversarial mindset

Highlights a competitive and opposing way of thinking.

aggressive temperament

Focuses on someone's natural and prevailing mood, emphasizing aggression.

aggressive stance

Focuses on a more active and confrontational position.

contentious spirit

Suggests a tendency to cause arguments or disputes.

belligerent approach

Highlights a readiness to fight or argue.

combative nature

Implies an inherent tendency to engage in conflict.

unfriendly disposition

Refers to a general lack of warmth or kindness.

negative outlook

Shifts the focus to a pessimistic perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "hostile attitude" in a sentence?

You can use "hostile attitude" to describe someone's unfriendly or aggressive behavior. For example, "The manager's "hostile attitude" created a tense work environment".

What are some synonyms for "hostile attitude"?

Alternatives to "hostile attitude" include "antagonistic demeanor", "aggressive stance", or "unfriendly disposition" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "hostile behavior" or "hostile attitude"?

"Hostile behavior" refers to specific actions, while "hostile attitude" describes an underlying feeling or mindset. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize actions or internal states. For example, a "hostile attitude" might manifest as "hostile behavior".

What's the difference between "negative attitude" and "hostile attitude"?

A "negative attitude" generally indicates pessimism or disapproval, whereas a "hostile attitude" implies active opposition, aggression, or antagonism. Hostility is a more intense and confrontational form of negativity. A "negative attitude" does not necessarily translates to "hostile attitude".