Animosity definition Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˌænɪmɒˈsɪti/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A sense or attitude of deep dislike, hostility, or animus, often stemming from a perceived injury, wrong, or injustice.

Examples

1. “The politician’s harsh tone created a sense of animosity between her and the opposing party.”

2. “The feud between the two families had been simmering for years, fueled by a deep-seated animosity.”

Synonyms

1. Enmity

2. Hostility

3. Antipathy

Antonyms

1. Affinity

2. Amity

3. Friendship

Additional Information

Animosity is often characterized by intense emotional feelings, such as anger, resentment, or hatred, towards a person, group, or organization. It can arise from various sources, including personal beliefs, cultural or social differences, or a perceived injustice. In some cases, animosity can be so entrenched that it becomes a defining feature of a person’s or group’s identity. The term can also be used to describe a general atmosphere or sentiment of hostility or dislike, such as in a workplace or community. Understanding the root causes and manifestations of animosity is essential for addressing conflicts and promoting peaceful resolution. In a broader sense, animosity can be a response to feelings of powerlessness, vulnerability, or helplessness. It can also be perpetuated through social and cultural norms, such as stereotypes and prejudices. Recognizing and addressing these underlying factors is crucial for promoting empathy, understanding, and healing in individuals and communities. Overall, animosity is a complex and multifaceted concept that requires a nuanced and comprehensive approach to address and resolve.

Etymology

The word “animosity” comes from the Latin words “animus,” meaning “soul” or “spirit,” and “hostis,” meaning “enemy” or “adversary.” Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a wide range of negative emotions and attitudes towards others.

Usage Notes

The word “animosity” is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a deep-seated hatred or hostility towards someone or something.

Example: “The animosity between the two nations was palpable during the diplomatic meeting.”

However, in informal conversation, the term may be used more loosely to describe a general feeling of dislike or annoyance.

Cultural References

The concept of animosity has been explored in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music.

In William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” the title character’s growing animosity towards Macduff ultimately leads to his downfall.

In the context of music, the term has been used to describe the animosity between rival gangs in hip-hop songs.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

1. “Bore a grudge” – to harbor animosity or resentment towards someone.

2. “Bear a chip on one’s shoulder” – to harbor animosity or resentment, often in response to a perceived slight or injury.

Related Words or Phrases

1. Enmity

2. Hostility

3. Antipathy

Collocations

1. “Deep-seated animosity” – animosity that stems from a long-standing grievance or perceived injustice.

2. “Growing animosity” – animosity that is increasing or intensifying over time.

Frequency of Use

According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, “animosity” is a relatively rare word, used in about 0.05% of all written texts.

Common Misspellings

1. “animositi”> – often misspelled without the double “i” at the end.

2. “anmosity”> – often misspelled with an extra “a” or “o” instead of “i”.