Word
antagonism
Phoneticsan·tag·o·nism
US/ænˈtæɡəˌnɪzəm/
UK/æntˈæɡənˌɪzəm/
Definition
n. a strong feeling of dislike or opposition toward someone or something. You use this when two people or groups are actively trying to fight against each other.
n. a state of active opposition or hostility between two or more parties. Often describes a deep-seated or persistent conflict rather than a temporary disagreement.
Examples
“There is a lot of antagonism between the two political groups.”
“The new policy caused a lot of antagonism among the local farmers who felt their interests were ignored.”
“The novel explores the antagonism between the industrialists and the labor unions, showing how their mutual distrust eventually led to a city-wide strike.”
Examples
simple
“There is a lot of antagonism between the two political groups.”
contextual
“The new policy caused a lot of antagonism among the local farmers who felt their interests were ignored.”
complex
“The novel explores the antagonism between the industrialists and the labor unions, showing how their mutual distrust eventually led to a city-wide strike.”
Real-World Examples
“The dialogue has devolved into the usual petty antagonism that is a hallmark of Trump’s beefs.” “She is brilliantly portrayed as the socially-awkward, plummy ex-wife of an architect who tries to evade Laurence’s questions on the area and the class antagonisms underlying them.” Etymology
From Ancient Greek ἀνταγωνιστής (antagōnistḗs, “opponent”), from ἀνταγωνίζομαι (antagōnízomai, “antagonize”), from ἀγών (agṓn, “contest”) (English agon).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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/antagonism