hostile role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hostile role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a position or function that is antagonistic or aggressive in nature, often in a conflict or competitive context. Example: "In the negotiation, he took on a hostile role, making it difficult to reach an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Given that documentation of their affair consisted largely of love notes, there were structural problems inherent in her new, hostile role.

The New Yorker

Moreover, for a company like Tejon Ranch, with several significant long-term shareholders, an activist cannot easily play a hostile role.

Harvard Business Review

On August 29th the Syrian president told Addounia TV, a private but fiercely pro-government station in Damascus, that "talk of a buffer zone is not practical, even for those countries playing a hostile role".

The Economist

Such actions run the perennial risk of alienating civilians and creating new motivations for anti-government actions". A buffer zone won't work: "I believe that talk about a buffer zone is not practical, even for those countries which are playing a hostile role [against Syria]." The president will not run away: "I am here with you in Damascus in the presidential palace.

The Guardian

A buffer zone won't work: "I believe that talk about a buffer zone is not practical, even for those countries which are playing a hostile role [against Syria]." The president will not run away: "I am here with you in Damascus in the presidential palace.

The Guardian

Brand's career has taken off; he is now advising Macerich Co. in its defense of a $22.4 billion unsolicited bid by Simon Property Group Inc., represented by Latham, this time in the hostile role.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Ayduk, O., Mischel, W. & Downey, G. Attentional mechanisms linking rejection to hostile reactivity: the role of 'hot' versus 'cool' focus.

Nature

As a PON pre-doctoral research fellow, her research will focus on the role hostile perceptions of the opponent play in constraining diplomatic attempts at conflict resolution and negotiations.

Harvard University

In his evidence, Mr Johnston said it was clear Mrs Napier was "hostile" to his role as Gwent's PCC.

BBC

The Vale of Clwyd MP spoke after the committee meeting on Tuesday which heard Mr Johnston say Mrs Napier was "unacceptably unhelpful" and was hostile to his role.

BBC

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "Private military security companies play a vital and necessary role in hostile environments".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "hostile role" when you want to underline a deliberate act of opposition or aggression, as opposed to accidental or circumstantial conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "hostile role" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "adversarial position" or "antagonistic function" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostile role" functions as a noun phrase, where "hostile" is an adjective modifying the noun "role". It describes a specific type of role characterized by antagonism or aggression. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status, indicating that it is a well-formed and accepted English expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hostile role" effectively conveys an antagonistic or aggressive function, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound and understandable, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, consider varying your language to maintain engagement and clarity. Remember that while "hostile role" is semantically similar to alternatives like "adversarial position", each carries slightly different connotations. Thus, careful word choice is essential for precise communication. In summary, while not exceedingly common, "hostile role" serves as a valuable descriptor when emphasizing opposition or aggression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adversarial position

Focuses on the oppositional stance rather than the function or duty.

antagonistic function

Highlights the actively opposing nature of the role.

combative stance

Emphasizes the readiness to argue or fight.

aggressive posture

Implies a readiness to attack or confront.

belligerent attitude

Highlights the state of being engaged in a war or conflict, or the inclination to be.

challenging duty

Reframes 'hostile' into something that requires a lot of effort

contentious involvement

Focuses on controversial nature of the function.

militant action

Stresses the aggressive and confrontational actions taken.

warring party

Suggests active conflict within the specified function.

aggressive part

This alternative is a more direct and concise substitution using simpler vocabulary while maintaining the core sense of aggression.

FAQs

How can "hostile role" be used in a sentence?

You can use "hostile role" to describe someone or something that acts in opposition or aggression, such as, "The lawyer adopted a "hostile role" during the cross-examination."

What phrases are similar to "hostile role"?

Alternatives include "adversarial position", "antagonistic function", or "combative stance", each emphasizing a different aspect of opposition.

Is "hostile role" formal or informal?

"Hostile role" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but its impact is stronger in formal settings where precise language is valued. In informal settings, consider using a more descriptive term.

What is the difference between "hostile role" and "supportive role"?

"Hostile role" implies opposition and aggression, while "supportive role" suggests assistance and encouragement. They are antonyms, representing opposite behaviors or functions.