Animosity
/ˌænəˈmɒsɪti/
nounB2
Definition
Animosity is a strong, often deep feeling of dislike or hatred toward a person, group, or idea. It usually lasts a long time and can cause people to act unfriendly or angry. This feeling is stronger than simple dislike but not always as strong as hate.
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⚡ See It in Action
A strong feeling of dislike or hatred toward someone or something
- •There was clear animosity between the two teams after the match.
- •She felt animosity toward her former friend because of the argument.
- •Political animosity often makes cooperation difficult.
Hostility or unfriendly behavior caused by this feeling
- •The animosity in the room was obvious during the meeting.
- •Years of animosity made the neighbors avoid each other completely.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "animosity" like "anger" (A2 word), but it stays inside you for a long time and makes you feel cold or distant
- ✓Picture two people not talking to each other, their faces showing quiet anger and dislike
- ✓It's the feeling you have when you remember someone hurt you and you still feel upset about it days or weeks later
- ✓Sounds like "an-IM-o-si-ty" → imagine "enemy" inside the word, which helps you remember it means strong dislike or feeling like an enemy
- ✓Think of stories where two families or friends stop speaking because of a fight and hold a grudge for years
- ✓NOT like "hate" (very strong and active feeling), animosity can be quieter but still strong inside
- ✓NOT like "dislike" (a mild feeling), animosity is much stronger and more serious
- ✓NOT like "anger" (can be short), animosity lasts longer and builds over time
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Hostility: unfriendly or aggressive feeling or behavior (Use when focusing on actions caused by dislike)
- •Resentment: feeling angry or upset because of unfair treatment (Use when the dislike is because of feeling wronged)
- •Antipathy: strong dislike or opposition (Use in formal or written contexts)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "an-" (not, without) + "imos" (from Latin root related to feeling or spirit) + "-ity" (noun suffix meaning state or quality)
- •Etymology: From Latin "animositas," meaning boldness or spirit, later changed to mean strong feeling or hostility
- •Historical development: First used in English in the 1600s to mean boldness or courage, but by the 1800s it shifted to mean strong dislike or hatred
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe lasting negative feelings between people or groups, often in social or political contexts
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can animosity ever be helpful or protective, or is it always harmful in relationships?
•How might animosity affect communication between people, even if they do not speak about their feelings?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.After the argument, the animosity between the two friends ___ made it hard for them to work together.
2.Political animosity often ___ cooperation and peaceful discussion.
3.Unlike simple dislike, animosity usually ___ for a long time and grows stronger.
4.When people show animosity, they often act ___ or cold toward each other.
5.He tried to hide his animosity, but his ___ words showed his true feelings.
6.Animosity can ___ from past events where someone felt hurt or betrayed.
7.The meeting was uncomfortable because of the ___ animosity among the participants.