What does animosity mean?
Animosity is a noun describing a powerful and enduring feeling of hostility, dislike, or ill will toward another person, group, or entity. Unlike fleeting anger or simple annoyance, animosity implies a sustained, deep-seated antagonism that colors one's attitude over time. The word is commonly used to describe bitter rivalries, family feuds, political divisions, and personal grudges, often appearing in phrases such as 'deep animosity' or 'animosity between'. Its connotations are strongly negative, marking it as a serious term reserved for genuine enmity rather than casual disagreement. Derived from the Latin 'animositas', which traces back to 'anima' meaning soul or spirit, the word carries a rich linguistic heritage shared with terms like 'animate' and 'animal'. Writers and speakers reach for animosity when ordinary words like 'dislike' feel too mild, making it a valuable term for conveying the intensity of lasting human conflict.
nounA strong feeling of dislike, hostility, or ill will toward someone or something.
- Strong hostility, hatred, or ill will directed toward a person or group
- Intense opposition or antagonism between parties, such as rivals or opposing teams
"Despite years of animosity between the two families, they finally reconciled at the wedding."
"The long-standing animosity between the two business partners made every meeting unbearable."
"Rival fans traded insults all season, their animosity boiling over after the final whistle."
The plural form is rare in everyday use; animosity is usually treated as a single collective feeling in context.
"The treaty was meant to settle the old animosities between the two nations."
Animosity comes from the Latin 'animositas', rooted in 'anima' — the word for breath, soul, and life — so this feeling of hatred is literally named after the very thing that gives us life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of animosity
Animosity derives from the Latin 'animositas', meaning courage, spirit, or vehemence, which itself stems from 'animus', the Latin term for mind, spirit, or will. The root 'anima' — meaning breath or soul — connects animosity to a broader family of words including 'animate', 'animal', and 'unanimous'. The word entered English in the early modern period, gradually shifting in meaning from spirited vigor toward its modern sense of intense hostility and ill will.
How animosity is actually used
Animosity is a formal to neutral term typically used for sustained, deep-seated hostility rather than momentary anger. It carries a strongly negative connotation and is often used in contexts of feuds, rivalries, and personal grudges. It is more intense than mere dislike or irritation, implying an enduring emotional hostility rather than a passing emotion.
Easily confused with animosity
Animus is a related but distinct term denoting a hostile spirit or motivating intention, whereas animosity refers to the broader feeling of intense dislike itself.