Langimage
English

hostilities

|hos/til/i/ties|

B2

🇺🇸

/hɑːˈstɪl.ə.tiz/

🇬🇧

/hɒˈstɪl.ɪ.tiz/

(hostility)

antagonism

Base FormPlural
hostilityhostilities
Etymology
Etymology Information

'hostility' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'hostilitas,' where 'hostilis' meant 'of an enemy.'

Historical Evolution

'hostilitas' transformed into the Old French word 'hostilité,' and eventually became the modern English word 'hostility' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'the state of being an enemy,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'acts of warfare or aggression.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

acts of warfare or aggression between groups or nations.

The hostilities between the two countries lasted for several years.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39