English Reference
Noun

animosity

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US /ˌænəˈmɑsəti/ UK /ˌænɪmˈɒsɪti/ an·i·mos·i·ty UK spelling animosities

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.


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.

Increasingly, there is animosity from fans if a player leaves for a rival side.

The Guardian· 1 Sept 2026

Acrimony, anger and animosity: the Julian Alvarez summer transfer saga in a nutshell.

BBC News· 24 Aug 2026

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.

This entry
Origin Latin animositas
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated