incite animosity

USAGE SUMMARY

"incite animosity" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where someone or something provokes hostility or resentment. For example: "The politician's speech seemed to incite animosity among the crowd." Alternative expressions include "stir up hostility" and "foster resentment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In a move that could further incite animosity, Saad al-Hariri, a March 14 leader and a former prime minister, has asked that General Hassan be buried next to the downtown Beirut tomb of his father, Rafik Hariri, also a former prime minister.

The New York Times

The Puławy faction argued that mass trials of Stalinist officials, many of them Jewish, would incite animosity toward the Jews.

Wikipedia

But political views can and should be expressed without hate," adding that Britain First "repeatedly posted content designed to incite animosity and hatred against minority groups".

Vice

Facebook added that it did not take the decision lightly, "but they have repeatedly posted content designed to incite animosity and hatred against minority groups, which disqualifies the Pages from our service".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But the political rhetoric just incites more animosity and gets people riled up".

The New York Times

Mr. Hashimi fled to Kurdistan and the life of a fugitive, an episode that incited deep animosity between Mr. Maliki and the country's Sunni minority.

The New York Times

Charges of membership in an illegal network, disclosing state documents and inciting public animosity were filed against Soner Yalcin, an investigative journalist and owner of the Web site, OdaTV; Baris Terkoglu, the news editor; and Baris Pehlivan, a writer.

The New York Times

A court in Moscow this week dismissed a civil lawsuit brought against an exhibition that a group of artists said had violated their religious freedoms by mocking Russian Orthodoxy and inciting interfaith animosity.

The New York Times

They incite ethnic rifts.

The New York Times - Magazine

He aroused animosity.

The New Yorker

The animosity was mutual.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "incite animosity" when you want to emphasize the active role someone or something plays in creating or intensifying feelings of hostility or resentment. For example, a political speech might "incite animosity" between different groups.

Common error

While "incite animosity" is appropriate in certain contexts, avoid overuse, as it can make your writing sound overly dramatic or biased. Consider milder alternatives like "create tension" or "foster disagreement" if the situation doesn't warrant such a strong term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incite animosity" functions as a verb phrase where "incite" is the transitive verb and "animosity" is the direct object. It describes the action of provoking or stirring up feelings of hostility. Ludwig shows examples where it's used in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "incite animosity" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe actions that provoke hostility. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's primarily found in news and media contexts, and although relatively rare, it is used consistently in appropriate situations. Related phrases like "provoke hostility" or "stir up resentment" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, consider the strength of the verb "incite" and whether a milder alternative might be more appropriate to avoid bias. Overall, "incite animosity" is a useful phrase for describing actions that stir up negative feelings, especially in public and political contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provoke hostility

This alternative shifts the focus slightly from the emotion itself (animosity) to the resulting behavior (hostility).

stir up resentment

This phrase emphasizes the act of awakening or intensifying feelings of bitterness and ill-will.

foment discord

This alternative suggests the deliberate creation or encouragement of disagreement and conflict.

inflame tensions

This phrase highlights the escalation of existing strained relationships or situations.

trigger antagonism

This alternative focuses on setting off a pre-existing state of opposition or dislike.

exacerbate bitterness

This phrase suggests making existing feelings of resentment even more intense.

spark off conflict

This implies initiating a sudden outbreak of open disagreement or hostility.

breed animosity

This alternative suggests that something creates or fosters animosity.

rouse antagonism

This phrase conveys the idea of awakening or stimulating feelings of opposition.

awaken hostility

This alternative highlights bringing a latent feeling of hostility into consciousness or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "incite animosity" in a sentence?

You can use "incite animosity" to describe actions or words that provoke feelings of hostility or resentment between individuals or groups. For instance: "The inflammatory rhetoric used during the debate threatened to incite animosity between the parties."

What are some synonyms for "incite animosity"?

Alternatives to "incite animosity" include "provoke hostility", "stir up resentment", or "foment discord". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "incite animosity" a formal or informal phrase?

"Incite animosity" is suitable for both neutral and formal writing, as shown by its usage in news media and other reputable sources. However, avoid using it in very casual or informal contexts.

What's the difference between "incite animosity" and "encourage animosity"?

"Incite animosity" implies a more direct and immediate action that sparks hostility. "Encourage animosity" suggests a more gradual or indirect approach that promotes or supports pre-existing negative feelings.