hostile temperament

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it will be a hostile, fierce test of temperament and the Gunners have been found wanting before.

BBC

Recently, I saw a charming little movie about two characters, opposites in temperament and outlook, hostile at the start, who gradually learned not only to find delight in each other, but also to appreciate how much they had in common.

The New York Times

Some dogs with temperament problems may become hostile.

WikiHow

Though he did not score prolifically in his next two tests on the following tour of South Africa in 2010-11, he was one of the few Indian batsmen who impressed with his patience and perseverance, technique and temperament, against Dale Steyn of South Africa and other hostile fast bowlers.

The New York Times

His skill and composure is obvious to all and his temperament is perfect for the often robust and hostile environment of the Premier League.

BBC

Some types of temperament may make some individuals susceptible to the stress of unpredictable or hostile relationships with caregivers in the early years.

Wikipedia

It has been suggested that types of temperament, or constitutional response to the environment, may make some individuals susceptible to the stress of unpredictable or hostile relationships with caregivers in the early years.

Wikipedia

Some temperament.

The New York Times - Sports

"Excellent temperament".

The New York Times

His temperament.

The New York Times

"Bad temperament".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's general character, use "hostile temperament" to indicate a consistently unfriendly and aggressive disposition. This conveys a deeper sense of ingrained behavior rather than a temporary mood.

Common error

Avoid using "hostile temperament" to describe someone experiencing a temporary outburst or mood swing. Temperament refers to a more consistent and enduring aspect of personality. Use words like "anger", "frustration", or "aggression" to label ephemeral behaviors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostile temperament" functions as a descriptor, combining an adjective ("hostile") with a noun ("temperament") to characterize someone's general disposition. It suggests an inherent tendency towards aggression and unfriendliness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hostile temperament" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a consistently unfriendly and aggressive disposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is suitable for various contexts, including news, academic, and general discussions. While the frequency of use is relatively rare, understanding the nuances of this phrase—and when to use "aggressive disposition", "antagonistic nature", or other related terms—can significantly enhance the precision and impact of your writing. Remember, it is not proper to attribute the expression to temporary states or mood swings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aggressive disposition

Replaces "temperament" with "disposition", focusing on inherent qualities.

antagonistic nature

Substitutes both "hostile" and "temperament" with synonyms emphasizing inherent antagonism.

belligerent attitude

Replaces "temperament" with "attitude", suggesting a more outwardly aggressive stance.

combative personality

Emphasizes the confrontational aspect of the temperament, using "combative".

irascible character

Highlights the irritability and proneness to anger.

quarrelsome spirit

Focuses on the inclination to argue and disagree.

truculent demeanor

Highlights a harsh and defiant manner.

argumentative mindset

Focuses on the tendency to engage in arguments.

confrontational approach

Highlights a direct and challenging manner in interactions.

unfriendly attitude

Offers a milder alternative, simply indicating a lack of friendliness.

FAQs

How can I describe a "hostile temperament" in simpler terms?

You can use phrases like "aggressive disposition", "antagonistic nature", or "unfriendly attitude" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What situations are best suited for using the phrase "hostile temperament"?

This phrase is best used when describing someone's consistent and long-term behavior, especially in contexts where their general disposition significantly impacts interactions or outcomes.

Is "hostile temperament" a formal or informal expression?

It falls into the neutral to formal register, making it suitable for news reporting, academic writing, and professional communication. However, simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal settings.

What's the difference between having a "hostile temperament" and displaying aggression?

A "hostile temperament" describes an enduring personality trait, whereas aggression refers to specific instances of hostile behavior. Someone with a hostile temperament is likely to display aggression frequently, but aggression can also stem from temporary factors like stress or fear.