Hostility
/hɑːˈstɪləti/
nounB2
Definition
Hostility is the feeling or behavior of being against someone or something, often with anger or dislike. It can be shown in words, actions, or attitudes that are unfriendly or aggressive. People or groups show hostility when they do not want to accept or agree with others.
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See It in Action
Unfriendly or angry feelings toward someone or something
- •There was clear hostility between the two neighbors after the argument.
- •Hostility in the room made it hard for people to work together.
- •The teacher noticed hostility in the students’ voices during the debate.
Actions showing opposition or aggression
- •The soldiers showed hostility during the conflict.
- •Hostility between the countries led to trade problems.
- •She felt the hostility when they refused to listen to her ideas.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'hostility' like 'anger,' but stronger and more serious—it often leads to fights or arguments.
- ✓Picture two people with angry faces and crossed arms, not wanting to talk or be friends.
- ✓It's the feeling when someone does not want to help you and may even try to hurt your feelings or stop you.
- ✓Sounds like 'host-ILL-it-tee' → imagine a 'host' (someone who welcomes guests) suddenly becoming 'ill' (sick), so they stop being friendly and become unfriendly.
- ✓Think of stories where two teams or countries do not like each other and act against each other—this is hostility.
- ✓NOT like 'dislike' (which can be quiet and small), hostility is active and can cause problems or fights.
- ✓NOT like 'friendliness' (being kind and warm), hostility is the opposite, showing anger or hate.
Try Other Words
- •Animosity: strong dislike or hate (Use when feelings are deep and long-lasting)
- •Antagonism: active opposition or dislike (Use when two sides are against each other)
- •Unfriendliness: lack of kindness (Use in more general or mild situations)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "hostil-" (from Latin "hostis" meaning enemy) + "-ity" (a suffix that turns adjectives into nouns showing a state or condition)
- •Etymology: From Latin "hostilitas," meaning enmity or being an enemy
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 1500s to describe unfriendly or enemy behavior
- •Modern usage: Used to describe feelings or actions of anger, opposition, or aggression between people, groups, or countries
Reflect & Connect
•How can recognizing hostility early help prevent bigger problems in relationships or groups?
•Can hostility ever be useful or necessary? In what situations might it appear?
Fill in the blanks
1.Hostility often appears when people ___ a strong disagreement or feel threatened.
2.When there is hostility in a group, it can cause ___ and stop good communication.
3.Unlike simple dislike, hostility usually shows in ___ or words that hurt others.
4.In history, hostility between countries sometimes leads to ___ or wars.
5.People can show hostility ___ through actions or by refusing to cooperate.
6.Hostility is NOT the same as friendliness, which means being ___ and kind.
7.When someone feels hostility, they might ___ to avoid or argue with others.