hostile disposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hostile disposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's general attitude or tendency to be unfriendly or aggressive. Example: "His hostile disposition made it difficult for him to maintain friendships and work relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We also see it in the hostile disposition some in the government display towards the ABC, and towards Guardian Australia and its reporting about conditions in offshore detention, the obvious attempt to reframe whistleblowing and public interest reporting as some kind of conspiracy-laden wrecking.

The Guardian

Through distribution of patronage and concessions to political demands, he won over several of the earls who had previously been of a hostile disposition.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For example, a blamer's disposition to feel hostile attitudes like anger towards the agent and to also reprimand, rebuke, and seek apology are to be explained by the presence of the belief-desire pair.

SEP

When the Presiding Judge, Moshe Landau, said to him "The court convicts you for crimes against the Jewish people, crimes against humanity, war crimes and for being a member of a hostile organization," it was not the full disposition of the charges against Eichmann.

The New York Times

Diogenes reports a number of slanderous stories that were circulated by Epicurus' opponents, despite which he affirms that Epicurus was of an extraordinarily humane disposition; this was the prevailing view, shared even by hostile witnesses to Epicureanism.

SEP

It was, however, valuable experience for Dunglass, who was of a gentle and uncombative disposition and not a natural orator; he began to learn how to deal with hostile audiences and get his message across.

Wikipedia

Disposition: Claim thrown out.

The New Yorker

Same sunny disposition.

The New York Times - Sports

Such is my disposition.

The Guardian - Arts

Soulful expression; sweet disposition.

The New Yorker

"Particular" here means hostile.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "aggressive attitude" or "unfriendly demeanor" for a gentler tone or to avoid overusing "hostile disposition" in a single text.

Common error

Avoid using "hostile disposition" to describe a temporary state of anger or frustration. The phrase implies a more permanent and inherent trait, not a fleeting emotion. Use "displaying hostility" or "acting aggressively" for short-term situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostile disposition" functions as a noun phrase, where "hostile" modifies the noun "disposition". It describes a quality or characteristic of a person or entity, as Ludwig AI examples demonstrate. It acts as a descriptor of someone's inherent nature.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hostile disposition" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an inherent tendency toward unfriendliness or aggression. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, though its frequency is rare. Primarily found in news, wiki and scientific contexts, this phrase serves to label or characterize individuals or entities with negative temperaments. When using the phrase, consider its formal tone and nuanced implication of a lasting trait rather than a fleeting emotion. For less formal situations, alternatives like "unfriendly attitude" or "aggressive personality" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

antagonistic temperament

Focuses on the inherent nature of being antagonistic.

unfriendly demeanor

Replaces "hostile" with "unfriendly" and "disposition" with a focus on outward behavior.

aggressive attitude

Highlights the aggressiveness rather than the general tendency.

belligerent nature

Emphasizes a readiness to fight or argue.

combative personality

Highlights a tendency to engage in conflict.

contentious spirit

Focuses on a disposition marked by debate and disagreement.

militant mindset

Suggests a more proactive and forceful approach to disagreement.

truculent character

Implies a fierce, savage, or cruel quality.

negative outlook

Shifts the focus to a generally pessimistic perspective, which can contribute to hostility.

acerbic temperament

Uses a more formal tone, focusing on bitterness and sharpness of temper.

FAQs

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

You can use "hostile disposition" to describe someone's inherent tendency toward unfriendliness or aggression. For example, "His hostile disposition made it difficult for him to maintain friendships."

What's a less formal way to say "hostile disposition"?

For a less formal alternative, consider using phrases like "unfriendly attitude" or "aggressive personality". These options convey a similar meaning but are suitable for less formal contexts.

What is the difference between "hostile attitude" and "hostile disposition"?

"Hostile attitude" refers to a specific, expressed feeling or behavior, while "hostile disposition" indicates a general, underlying tendency towards being unfriendly or aggressive. "Disposition" suggests a more ingrained characteristic.

When is it appropriate to use "hostile disposition" in writing?

"Hostile disposition" is appropriate when you want to describe someone's fundamental nature or character, particularly in formal or analytical contexts. Use it to convey a lasting tendency rather than a temporary state.