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animosity
noun
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Where does the word animosity come from?
The important Latin word animus (very closely related to anima) could mean a great many things having to do with the soul and the emotions, one of them being "anger". As an English word, animus has generally meant "ill will", so it isn't mysterious that animosity means basically the same thing. Animosity can exist between two people, two groups or organizations, or two countries, and can sometimes lie hidden for years before reappearing. The deep animosities that exist between certain ethnic and religious groups sometimes seem as if they will last forever.
Synonyms
enmity, hostility, antipathy, antagonism, animosity, rancor, animus mean deep-seated dislike or ill will.
enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.
hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.
antipathy and antagonism imply a natural or logical basis for one's hatred or dislike, antipathy suggesting repugnance, a desire to avoid or reject, and antagonism suggesting a clash of temperaments leading readily to hostility.
animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.
rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong.
animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice.
Examples of animosity in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'animosity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Animosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/animosity. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
animosity
nounMore from Merriam-Webster on animosity
Nglish: Translation of animosity for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of animosity for Arabic Speakers
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