animosities
|an-i-mos-i-ties|
🇺🇸
/ˌænəˈmɑsətiz/
🇬🇧
/ˌænɪˈmɒsətiz/
(animosity)
strong dislike
Etymology
'animosity' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'animositas', where 'animus' meant 'mind' or 'spirit'.
'animositas' passed into Old French as 'animosité' and Middle English as 'animosite', eventually becoming the modern English 'animosity'.
Initially it referred to 'spiritedness' or 'vigor' (from 'spirit/mind'), but over time it shifted to the sense of 'hostility or ill will' that it has today.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
strong hostility or ill will toward someone; intense dislike or hatred.
Longstanding animosities between the two communities made cooperation difficult.
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Noun 2
active hostility, hostile actions, or ongoing opposition between groups or parties.
Political animosities flared up after the controversial bill passed.
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Last updated: 2025/08/12 14:52