hostile discourse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hostile discourse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe communication that is aggressive, confrontational, or antagonistic in nature. Example: "The debate quickly devolved into hostile discourse, making it difficult for any constructive dialogue to occur."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The ruling elites of Turkey have adopted a very hostile discourse against Europe.

HuffPost

But students, faculty members and advocates maintain that hostile discourse makes many students feel physically and psychologically unsafe on campus.  .

Huffington Post

Polarizing hostile discourse will only breed more division while, at the same time, making real debate over issues less likely.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

By invoking Germany's Nazi past, Mr. Berlusconi violated one of the critical taboos of the European Union: to leave national rivalries and hostile histories out of the public discourse.

The New York Times

There was a major turning point in 2010, when former president Nicolas Sarkozy's discourse became much more hostile to immigration.

Vice

One would think that by now I would be desensitized to the often cynical, hostile and hateful tone of the immigration discourse, especially when it comes from our national leaders.

Huffington Post

It's a super-awkward way to mop up the mess left by someone who missed the memo on basic norms of social discourse, and mitigate the risk of being fired for allowing a hostile work environment.

Harvard Business Review

The mid-August attack by Palestinian militants that killed eight Israelis near the southern city of Eilat, close to the Egyptian border, followed by Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and Palestinian rocket attacks from Gaza, proved to be a major interruption, abruptly changing the public discourse back to the more familiar mode of Israeli security in hostile surroundings.

The New York Times

Indeed, Russia's reaction is consistent with its recurrent discourse about being "squeezed out" of its own neighborhood and "encircled" by hostile Western powers.

Huffington Post

But "you" reply with your own vaguely hostile story that (at least to you) more aptly describes the narrator — in which she pretentiously discourses on the meaning of Ella Fitzgerald's rendition of the banal song "A Tisket, a Tasket".

The New York Times - Books

And although I've never spoken to a hostile crowd, as I move through a world that casually bounces "9/11" again and again through its discourses at all levels, I am forever cut by it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hostile discourse", ensure the context clearly demonstrates an aggressive or antagonistic exchange. Avoid using it to describe simply passionate or strongly worded disagreements that lack clear hostility.

Common error

Avoid using "hostile discourse" to describe situations where the communication is merely intense or passionate, but not inherently aggressive or antagonistic. Distinguish between strong opinions and outright hostility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostile discourse" functions as a noun phrase, where "hostile" modifies "discourse". It describes a particular type of communication characterized by antagonism and aggression. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples of its use in describing various communication scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hostile discourse" accurately describes communication marked by aggression and antagonism. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to label and highlight negative communication patterns. While the phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media", its use extends to academic and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the situation genuinely reflects an aggressive exchange, distinguishing it from merely intense discussions. Alternatives such as "aggressive communication" or "confrontational dialogue" may offer nuanced options depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aggressive communication

Focuses more on the act of communicating aggressively, rather than the overall interaction.

confrontational dialogue

Emphasizes the confrontational nature of the exchange.

antagonistic rhetoric

Highlights the use of language designed to provoke hostility.

belligerent conversation

Implies a more war-like or combative tone in the discussion.

heated exchange

Suggests a high level of emotion and potential conflict.

acrimonious debate

Focuses on bitterness and resentment within the debate.

contentious discussion

Highlights the controversial and argumentative nature of the discussion.

inflammatory language

Stresses the use of language intended to incite anger or violence.

toxic communication

Emphasizes the damaging and harmful nature of the communication.

bitter dispute

Focuses on the resentment and animosity within the disagreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "hostile discourse" to describe situations where communication is aggressive, confrontational, or antagonistic. For example: "The political debate devolved into a "hostile discourse", hindering any possibility of finding common ground."

What are some alternatives to "hostile discourse"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "aggressive communication", "confrontational dialogue", or "antagonistic rhetoric".

What distinguishes "hostile discourse" from a regular disagreement?

"Hostile discourse" implies a level of aggression and antagonism beyond a simple disagreement. It suggests a deliberate intent to cause harm or provoke conflict through communication.

Is "hostile discourse" always inappropriate?

While generally undesirable, "hostile discourse" might be observed in certain competitive or adversarial settings, such as legal proceedings or intense negotiations. However, it is typically viewed negatively in most social and professional contexts.