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hostility

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /hɒsˈtɪl.ɪ.ti/

KK: /hɑstɪlɪti/

noun
Definition

The state of being unfriendly or having a strong dislike towards someone or something.


Example

There was a lot of hostility between the two rival teams during the match.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you noticed any hostility between those two friends lately?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's really awkward to be around them sometimes.
Sloth A
I wonder what caused all that hostility in the first place.
Sloth B
I heard it started over a misunderstanding during a game.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
animosity
antagonism
enmity
Antonyms
friendship
harmony
affection
Root Explanation

Hostility is formed from "hostis" (meaning enemy) and the suffix "-ity" (meaning the state or condition of). The word describes the state of being an enemy or being unfriendly.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hostis' meaning enemy to remember that 'hostility' refers to the state of being unfriendly or antagonistic.

Visually Confused Words
unhostility
prohostility
prehostility
nostrility
motility
ghostily
stilty
hospitality
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