hostility
4 synonyms and 3 antonyms for hostility, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Unfriendly or aggressive feelings or behavior.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use hostility
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French hostilité, from Latin hostilitas, built on hostis, "enemy."
Full origin of hostility →Frequently asked questions
What does “hostility” mean?
The word “hostility” means unfriendly or aggressive feelings or behavior. In plain terms, a feeling or show of unfriendliness or aggression.
How do you pronounce “hostility”?
“Hostility” is pronounced ho-STIH-lih-tee (/hɑˈstɪlɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “hostility” in a sentence?
Here is “hostility” used in a sentence: “There was real hostility between the two families for years.”
What is the opposite of “hostility”?
The opposite of “hostility” — its antonyms — are amity, friendliness and peace.
What part of speech is “hostility”?
“Hostility” is a noun.
Where does the word “hostility” come from?
The word “hostility” comes from Latin. From Old French hostilité, from Latin hostilitas, built on hostis, "enemy.".
Is “hostility” a common word?
“Hostility” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between hostility and aggression?
Hostility refers to unfriendly or aggressive feelings or behavior in general, while aggression more specifically describes active, forceful action or attacks. Hostility can exist as an underlying attitude even when no aggressive act occurs.
Can hostility be shown without being violent?
Yes, hostility covers unfriendly feelings and behavior broadly, so it can be expressed through tone, body language, or words rather than physical violence. A cold or unwelcoming reception can reflect hostility just as much as an outright confrontation.
Is hostility always directed at a person?
Hostility is typically directed at a person, group, or idea, expressing unfriendly or aggressive feelings toward whatever is the target. It can appear in personal relationships, workplaces, or wider social and political situations.