hostility toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"hostility toward" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to express a strong, negative feeling or attitude towards someone or something. Example: The teacher noticed a growing hostility toward the new student in the classroom.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hostility toward China could grow.

The New York Times

Still, she acknowledges hostility toward the practice.

The New York Times

Frankly, I expected more hostility toward me.

The New York Times

Hostility toward Westerners is palpable.

The New York Times

Hostility toward gays across Africa is high.

The Guardian

No one expressed hostility toward Ms. Stewart.

The New York Times

"I have a natural hostility toward athletes," Apatow said.

The New Yorker

First of all, why all the hostility toward Farah?

The New Yorker

Hostility toward illegal immigrants has grown in many states.

The New York Times

Britain's hostility toward the E.U. would only mount.

The New York Times

They shared the hostility toward progress that Rousseau had expressed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hostility toward", clearly identify the target of the hostility to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "hostility toward" when simply expressing disagreement or differing opinions; reserve it for situations involving genuine animosity or antagonism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostility toward" functions as a prepositional phrase expressing a negative attitude or opposition directed at a specific entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its role in conveying animosity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hostility toward" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express strong negative feelings or opposition. Ludwig AI validates its usage. It is predominantly found in news, encyclopedic and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, clarity in identifying the target is crucial. Alternatives include "antipathy toward" and "animosity toward", offering nuanced expressions of dislike. Remember to reserve this phrase for genuine animosity, not just disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

antagonism toward

Denotes active hostility or opposition, implying a more confrontational stance.

animosity toward

Suggests a strong feeling of dislike or hatred, a more intense emotion.

antipathy toward

Suggests a deep-seated dislike or aversion, a more profound feeling.

opposition toward

Indicates resistance or disagreement, often in a more formal or structured setting.

backlash toward

Indicates a strong negative reaction, often in response to an action or event.

resentment toward

Implies a feeling of bitterness or indignation, often stemming from perceived unfairness.

rejection toward

Implies a direct refusal or denial, differing from general animosity.

belligerence toward

Emphasizes a readiness to fight or quarrel, a more aggressive posture.

conflict toward

Highlights active opposition or struggle, going beyond mere dislike.

aggressiveness toward

Emphasizes active, forceful behavior, indicating a more direct antagonism.

FAQs

How to use "hostility toward" in a sentence?

Use "hostility toward" to describe strong feelings of opposition or dislike directed at someone or something. For example, "There is growing "hostility toward" the new policies".

What can I say instead of "hostility toward"?

You can use alternatives like "antipathy toward", "animosity toward", or "opposition to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "hostility toward" or "hostility to"?

"Hostility toward" is more commonly used and generally preferred when referring to a specific target. "Hostility to" is also acceptable, but less frequent.

What's the difference between "hostility toward" and "resentment toward"?

"Hostility toward" implies a general opposition or dislike, while "resentment toward" suggests a feeling of bitterness or indignation, often due to perceived unfairness or mistreatment.