Word
hostilities
Phoneticshos·til·i·ties, stress on the second syllable
US/hɑˈstɪɫətiz/
UK/həstˈɪlɪtiz/
Definitions
01acts of war
C1 · Advanced Plural noun Formal
n. fighting between two countries or groups during a war.
n. acts of overt warfare or armed conflict between opposing military forces.
“The two countries agreed to end hostilities and begin peace talks.”
“Hostilities broke out along the border despite months of diplomatic efforts to maintain the fragile ceasefire.”
Usage
Always used in the plural form when referring to military conflict.
Teaching tip
Learners should note that while 'hostility' (singular) refers to a feeling of hatred, 'hostilities' (plural) almost always refers to physical fighting in a war.
02feelings of hatred
C1 · Advanced Plural noun Formal
n. plural form of hostility; strong feelings of not liking someone or being unfriendly.
n. the pluralized expression of deep-seated ill will, antagonism, or unfriendliness.
“It was hard to work in an office where personal hostilities were so common.”
“The mediator spent hours addressing the long-standing hostilities between the two rival families before they could discuss the property dispute.”
Usage
Used as the plural of the abstract noun 'hostility'.
Teaching tip
In this sense, the word describes multiple instances or types of unfriendly feelings rather than physical combat.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Hostilities are rising between Iran-backed Houthis and Yemen's internationally recognised government.” “Some 6,000 crew members and 500 vessels are still believed to be trapped, almost six months since months since hostilities began, with around 2,900 individuals evacuated to date .” 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
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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