hostility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hostility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe feelings of animosity, aggression, or unfriendliness towards someone or something. Example: "The hostility between the two rival factions has escalated to a dangerous level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is no less shocking to consider that, far from being neutral as was claimed at the time, it is clear that the government took a deliberately calculated political approach guided by a complete hostility to the coalfield communities.

The Guardian

If your objective is to take the death penalty off the books, arousing Indonesian hostility is not the way to go".

The Guardian

A veteran of the rebellions against the 1992 Maastricht treaty that put modern Tory hostility to Brussels on the political map, he was battling the EU when Nigel Farage was an unknown twentysomething working for a French bank.

The Guardian

But it also enjoys wider support, from people whose hostility towards immigrants or Islam is shaped less by old-fashioned racism than by a newfangled sense of fear and insecurity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Part of that canard is about US hostility.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ten years earlier, when she transitioned for the first time, Lynn approached NatWest with the same request and they complied without issue, though she decided to go back to dressing as a man three years later due to public hostility – even threats of violence – as a result of her gender transition.

The Guardian

Legal analysts say that tough questioning can indicate that a justice wants to be on certain ground when ruling in favour of a position, as well as indicating hostility to it.

The Guardian

However, a third of those surveyed said the Labour leader's criticism of the press and calls for tougher regulation also contributed to hostility.

The Guardian

Related: 'Papers to pee': Texas, Kentucky and Florida consider anti-transgender bills Though none of the bills has passed so far, they are seen as a sign of a new aggressiveness on the part of state-level Republicans in publicly expressing overt hostility towards transgender people.

The Guardian

Perhaps they could respond to Nobel with outright hostility, perhaps by yelling swearwords at the committee, or by going to Stockholm to trash its headquarters with a spraycan.

The Guardian

But he adds: "Move along the spectrum, and you find people who may reject violence, but who accept various parts of the extremist world-view including real hostility towards western democracy and liberal values.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hostility" to describe not only individual feelings but also broader societal or political tensions. For instance, you can refer to "growing hostility towards immigrants" or "hostility between nations".

Common error

While "hostility" is accurate, using it repeatedly can make your writing sound overly dramatic or one-dimensional. Vary your language by using synonyms like "animosity", "antipathy", or "rancor" to add nuance.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hostility" is that of a noun. It typically represents a state of opposition, antagonism, or animosity. Ludwig confirms that "hostility" is correctly used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "hostility" functions primarily as a noun, effectively conveying a state of antagonism or opposition. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical use is correct. It is frequently employed in news and media to describe situations involving conflict or animosity. While "hostility" is appropriate for formal and professional contexts, writers should consider varying their language to avoid overuse and potential for overly dramatic tone. Synonyms such as "animosity", "antipathy", or "rancor" can add nuance and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

animosity

Emphasizes a strong feeling of dislike or ill will.

antagonism

Highlights active opposition or resistance.

enmity

Suggests a state of deep-seated hatred or animosity.

ill will

Focuses on negative intentions or feelings towards someone.

antipathy

Implies a strong feeling of aversion or dislike.

rancor

Suggests a bitter, long-lasting resentment.

resentment

Focuses on a feeling of indignant displeasure or offense.

opposition

Highlights resistance or disagreement with a particular idea or action.

aggression

Emphasizes forceful or hostile behavior.

belligerence

Suggests a willingness to fight or be aggressive.

FAQs

How is "hostility" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "hostility" is used as a noun to describe a state of antagonism or opposition. For example, "The "hostility between" the two groups escalated after the incident".

What are some synonyms for "hostility"?

Some synonyms for "hostility" include "animosity", "antagonism", and "enmity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "hostility" differ from "disagreement"?

"Disagreement" implies a difference of opinion, while "hostility" suggests a more intense and negative emotional response. "Hostility" involves animosity and a potential for conflict beyond mere disagreement.

Is it appropriate to use "hostility" in formal writing?

Yes, "hostility" is appropriate in formal writing when accurately describing a state of antagonism or conflict. However, be mindful of the tone and ensure the word choice aligns with the overall formality of the piece.