hostility towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"hostility towards" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling or attitude of strong dislike or opposition towards someone or something. Example: John's constant criticism and hostility towards his coworkers created a toxic work environment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Livedoor's bid was bankrolled by Lehman Brothers.Why is there such hostility towards hostile bids?

The Economist

The sinking deepened American hostility towards Germany.

The Economist

Hostility towards the West would increase.

The Economist

Hostility towards Germans was, understandably, still high.

The Guardian - Film

Antisemitism is hostility towards Jews as Jews.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Their hostility towards Muslims is ancient".

The Guardian

Hostility towards Roma remains widespread in Italy.

The Guardian

As we talked, a hostility towards Bacon became clear.

Independent

Growing local hostility towards the Chechens has played a part.

The Economist

Nor is there a jot of hostility towards the West.

The Economist

There was little hostility towards the ship's captain.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hostility towards", consider the target of the hostility. Is it a person, group, idea, or thing? Be specific for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "hostility towards" when a milder term like "disagreement with" or "dislike of" would be more appropriate. Overstating the emotion can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostility towards" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or verb, expressing the direction of the hostility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and used to indicate a negative sentiment directed at a specific target.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hostility towards" is a grammatically sound and very common prepositional phrase used to express strong dislike or opposition. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct. It appears frequently in news media and academic contexts, signaling its broad applicability. When writing, ensure that the intensity of "hostility towards" matches the situation and consider alternatives like "animosity toward" or "antipathy for" for nuanced expression. Using the phrase correctly involves understanding its weight and deploying it when the context truly warrants such a strong sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

animosity toward

Shares the meaning but uses a different noun, "animosity", which implies deep-seated ill will.

antagonism toward

Similar in meaning, but "antagonism" suggests active opposition or resistance.

antipathy for

Implies a deep-seated dislike or aversion.

aversion to

Indicates a strong dislike or disinclination, a weaker form of hostility.

resentment of

Suggests bitterness or indignation due to perceived unfairness.

dislike of

A milder expression, indicating a general feeling of not liking something.

opposition to

Highlights resistance or disagreement rather than emotional dislike.

negative attitude to

A more neutral and less emotionally charged way of expressing disapproval.

disapproval of

Indicates a formal or moral objection.

disfavor with

Expresses a lack of approval or support from someone in a position of authority.

FAQs

How do I use "hostility towards" in a sentence?

You can use "hostility towards" to describe a feeling of strong opposition or dislike directed at someone or something. For example, "There is growing "hostility towards" the new policy."

What's the difference between "hostility towards" and "antagonism toward"?

"Hostility towards" generally describes an emotional dislike or opposition, while "antagonism toward" implies a more active and potentially confrontational opposition. The nuance lies in the intensity and manifestation of the negative feeling.

What can I say instead of "hostility towards"?

You can use alternatives like "animosity toward", "antipathy for", or "aversion to" depending on the context and desired level of intensity.

Is "hostility towards" formal or informal?

"Hostility towards" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is a strong term that should be used judiciously. In more casual settings, you might opt for milder alternatives like "dislike of" or "disagreement with."