enemy
6 antonyms and opposites of enemy, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A person who is hostile toward, or actively opposes, another.
Antonyms
How to use enemy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French enemi, from Latin inimīcus, literally "not a friend" (in- + amīcus, "friend").
Full origin of enemy →Frequently asked questions
What does “enemy” mean?
The word “enemy” means a person who is hostile toward, or actively opposes, another. In plain terms, someone or something opposed to you or working against your interests.
How do you pronounce “enemy”?
“Enemy” is pronounced EH-nuh-mee (/ˈɛnəmi/ in IPA).
How do you use “enemy” in a sentence?
Here is “enemy” used in a sentence: “He made an enemy of his former business partner.”
What is another word for “enemy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “enemy” include adversary, antagonist, backfriend, bane, bête noire and corrival.
What is the opposite of “enemy”?
The opposite of “enemy” — its antonyms — are accomplice, ally, friend, pal and partner.
What part of speech is “enemy”?
“Enemy” is a noun.
Where does the word “enemy” come from?
The word “enemy” comes from Latin. From Old French enemi, from Latin inimīcus, literally "not a friend" (in- + amīcus, "friend").
Is “enemy” a common word?
“Enemy” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between an enemy and a rival?
A rival competes with you for the same prize — a job, a title, a partner — but need not wish you harm, and rivalry can even be friendly. An enemy is actively hostile and wants to see you defeated or hurt. Rivalry is about competition; enmity is about opposition and ill will.
What is the difference between an enemy and a foe?
They mean essentially the same thing — a person who is hostile toward or opposes another. The difference is tone. 'Foe' is more formal, literary, or old-fashioned and appears mostly in writing and poetry, while 'enemy' is the everyday word used in ordinary speech.
Can a country be an enemy?
Yes. 'Enemy' applies not only to individuals but to nations, armies, and groups in conflict or at war. We speak of an enemy state, enemy territory, or enemy forces. In this sense the enemy is the whole opposing side, rather than one hostile person.
What is the opposite of an enemy?
The opposite is a friend or ally — someone who supports you and stands on your side rather than opposing you. In a conflict, allies fight alongside you against a common enemy. Other opposites include supporter, partner, and companion, depending on the situation.