Animosity | Definition of animosity by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of ANIMOSITY

: ill will or resentment tending toward active hostility : an antagonistic attitude

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Examples of ANIMOSITY

Few rivalries can match that of the Cards and Cubs in terms of history, color and animosity. Things are tense in an off year, but in 2003 the teams are at the top of the National League Central division (along with the Houston Astros), separated by a half-game. —John Grisham, New York Times Book Review, 1 May 2005
As I get older, I have noticed the troubles many of my friends have with their fathers: the animosities and disappointments, held so long in the arrears of late adolescence, suddenly coming up due on both ends. But my father and I, if anything, have gotten closer, even as I understand him less and less. —Tom Bissell, Harper's, December 2004
What I did not anticipate, however, was the depth of animosity that had been simmering among the teachers beneath the pleasantries that characterized our public, formal encounters. I discovered that my enthusiastic advocacy for whole language was received by traditional teachers as demeaning, insulting attacks. —Elaine Garan, Language Arts, September 1998
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Origin of ANIMOSITY

Middle English animosite, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French animosité, from Late Latin animositat-, animositas, from Latin animosus spirited, from animus

First Known Use: 1605

Related to ANIMOSITY

Synonyms: enmity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, bad blood, bitterness, gall, grudge, hostility, jaundice, rancor

Antonyms: amity

Synonym Discussion of ANIMOSITY

enmity, hostility, antipathy, antagonism, animosity, rancor, animus mean deep-seated dislike or ill will. enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed <an unspoken enmity>. hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression <hostility between the two nations>. antipathy and antagonism imply a natural or logical basis for one's hatred or dislike, antipathy suggesting repugnance, a desire to avoid or reject, and antagonism suggesting a clash of temperaments leading readily to hostility <a natural antipathy for self-seekers> <antagonism between the brothers>. animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility <animosity that led to revenge>. rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong <rancor filled every line of his letters>. animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice <objections devoid of personal animus>.

Rhymes with ANIMOSITY

generosity, grandiosity, luminosity, virtuosity

Definition of ANIMOSITY for Kids

: ¹dislike, hatred

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "animosity"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "animosity"

Nglish: Translation of "animosity" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "animosity" for Arabic speakers

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