Word
animosity
Phoneticsan·i·mos·i·ty, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌænəˈmɑsəti/
UK/ˌænɪmˈɒsɪti/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a strong feeling of dislike or anger toward someone. It usually happens because of a past argument or a long history of not getting along.
n. a state of strong hostility or active ill will. Often implies a long-standing or deep-seated resentment between parties.
Examples
“There is no animosity between the two former rivals.”
“The long legal battle created a great deal of animosity between the two families, making any future reconciliation unlikely.”
“Despite their professional disagreements, the researchers maintained a civil relationship, ensuring that personal animosity did not cloud the objective evaluation of their shared data.”
Examples
simple
“There is no animosity between the two former rivals.”
contextual
“The long legal battle created a great deal of animosity between the two families, making any future reconciliation unlikely.”
complex
“Despite their professional disagreements, the researchers maintained a civil relationship, ensuring that personal animosity did not cloud the objective evaluation of their shared data.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the general feeling; countable when referring to specific instances or acts of hostility.
Real-World Examples
“Increasingly, there is animosity from fans if a player leaves for a rival side.” “Acrimony, anger and animosity: the Julian Alvarez summer transfer saga in a nutshell.” Etymology
From French animosité, from Latin animositas (“courage, spirit, vehemence”), from animosus, from animus (“courage, spirit, mind”); see animose, animate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/animosity