animosity
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of animosity
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English animosite, from Middle French, from Late Latin animōsitāt-, stem of animōsitās “ardor, boldness, wrath,” from Latin animōs(us) “spirited” (from anim(us) animus + -ōsus -ose 1 ) + -itās -ity
Explanation
Animosity is a strong feeling similar to hatred. If your (supposed) best buddy embarrasses you in front of a big crowd, your friendship could turn into animosity. Animosity comes from the Latin word animus, meaning "spirit" or "mind." That's also the root of the word animated — literally, "full of spirit." So how did animosity get so negative? Over the centuries, the original meaning of "high spirits" soured into "hatred." Today we most often speak of animosity toward, between, among, or against people. Keeping your animosity in check might make steam come out your ears.
Vocabulary lists containing animosity
100 SAT Words Beginning with "A"
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Speak Your Mind: Anim
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Born a Crime
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Animosity on her part creates tension until Will opens up about his personal reason for playing.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026
Animosity between Drake and Kendrick goes back years but the track prompted a new war of words, with Kendrick saying there was no "big three - it's just big me".
From BBC • Oct. 10, 2024
Animosity had built between Patriot and Battlefield, and a rematch in the postseason appeared inevitable.
From Washington Post • Nov. 21, 2022
Animosity is clearly up around the league with players seeing the same familiar, aggravating faces over and over again.
From Fox News • Feb. 11, 2021
Animosity, however, soon sinks down again, and, calm as the rippling waves against the old Emperor's bath palace below, the hours glide away in rhythmical monotony.
From Vagaries by Munthe, Axel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
