inimical
|i-ni-mi-cal|
/ɪˈnɪmɪkəl/
not friendly; harmful
Etymology
'inimical' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'inimīcus', where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'amīcus' meant 'friend'.
'inimical' changed from Latin 'inimīcus' (and Late Latin 'inimicalis'), passed into Romance languages and Middle English, and eventually became the modern English word 'inimical'.
Initially, it meant 'not a friend; hostile', but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'hostile' and 'harmful/detrimental'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
hostile or unfriendly; showing opposition or ill will.
The ambassador found the remarks inimical to diplomatic relations.
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Adjective 2
harmful or adverse; detrimental to the interests of something (often used with to).
Policies that are inimical to economic growth should be reconsidered.
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Last updated: 2025/09/30 10:26