latent hostility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "latent hostility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe underlying or hidden feelings of anger or resentment that are not immediately apparent. Example: "Despite their polite conversation, there was a sense of latent hostility between the two colleagues that was hard to ignore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"I'm still surprised there's even latent hostility, because it's so unmodern," says Trevor.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Stories of skiiers buried by avalanches or crashing into trees and a notion that skiing was for toffs only reinforced my latent hostility to the sport.

The Guardian - Travel

Not once has the man or woman on the other line suggested that I was feeling latent hostility toward the company because of Indian Point.

The New York Times

For the Roma, democracy unleashed their fellow-citizens' latent hostility, while capitalism offered them few prospects.As eastern Europe prospered, the Roma fell further behind.

The Economist

Although Mr. Rouhani was elected with a mandate to negotiate relief from sanctions, there is a deep latent hostility to diplomacy among hard-liners in Iran.

The New York Times

But the film's deeper and scarier message is its convincing picture of the ease with which a demagogic zealot can play on the subtle divisions within a community and turn latent hostility into boiling, uncontrollable rage.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

There is a latent hostility--or, at least, a resistance--in objects.

The New Yorker

There is a latent hostility--or, at least, a resistance--in objects.… REFLECTIONS about the abduction in Sonoma County, California, of a child, Polly Hannah Klaas.

The New Yorker

The debate has stirred latent hostilities left over from 1996, when Congress overhauled welfare by refashioning it as a block grant to states and adding work requirements to its distribution scheme.

The New York Times

Punishing a company for its distant but very real practices is a Hollywood protest story that taps into the latent, populist, hostility toward globalization and our natural sympathy for the underclass.

Huffington Post

Reagan nakedly pandered to whites' not-so-latent racial hostility when he told a virtually lily-white, wildly enthusiastic throng at the fair, "I believe in states' rights".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "latent hostility", ensure the context clearly indicates that the hostility is not immediately obvious or actively expressed. Describe the specific conditions or events that might trigger its emergence.

Common error

Avoid using "latent hostility" when overt or active aggression is present. "Latent" implies a hidden or suppressed state, so it is not appropriate for describing open conflict or direct expressions of anger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "latent hostility" functions as a noun phrase typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a state of underlying animosity that is not immediately apparent. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Opinion

9%

Sport

6%

Tech

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "latent hostility" is a noun phrase used to describe underlying, unexpressed feelings of animosity. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media, as well as encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies that the hostility is not overt but exists in a suppressed state. Be mindful not to use it interchangeably with "overt hostility", which describes open aggression. Consider alternatives like "underlying animosity" or "dormant animosity" depending on the desired nuance. "Latent hostility" is a valuable term for describing complex interpersonal or geopolitical dynamics where negative feelings simmer beneath the surface.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying animosity

Focuses on the concealed nature of the negative feeling, similar to "latent hostility".

dormant animosity

Emphasizes that the animosity is currently inactive but has the potential to become active.

repressed aggression

Highlights the suppression of aggressive feelings, implying a potential for eruption.

smoldering resentment

Conveys a sense of ongoing, suppressed negative emotion.

veiled antagonism

Stresses the covered or disguised nature of the opposing feeling.

subconscious aggression

Implies that the hostility may not be consciously recognized.

unacknowledged enmity

Highlights that the hostile feelings are not openly admitted or recognized.

potential for conflict

Shifts the focus to the possible outcome of the underlying hostility.

simmering tension

Focuses on the building pressure and unease caused by the underlying hostility.

unresolved antagonism

Implies that the hostile feelings stem from an issue that has not been dealt with.

FAQs

How can I use "latent hostility" in a sentence?

You can use "latent hostility" to describe underlying negative feelings that are not openly expressed. For example: "Despite the peace talks, "latent hostility" remained between the two nations."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "latent hostility"?

Alternatives include "underlying animosity", "dormant animosity", or "repressed aggression", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "latent hostility" and "overt hostility"?

"Latent hostility" refers to hidden or suppressed feelings of antagonism, while "overt hostility" describes open and direct expressions of aggression. The former is concealed, whereas the latter is plainly visible.

Is "latent hostility" the same as "potential hostility"?

While similar, "latent hostility" suggests that the negative feelings already exist in a suppressed state, whereas "potential hostility" indicates a possibility for hostile feelings to develop in the future. The former is more immediate and less hypothetical.