animosity
Americannoun
-
animosities
plural
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
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Speak Your Mind: Anim
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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.
See Examples For:
The animosity dates back to the board’s decision last year to purchase 20 acres where they hope to eventually build a new fire station and civic hub.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026
We may have some animosity, we may have some mistrust, but we recognize the way we’ve done business with the United States for the last 47 years is a mistake.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026
Acrimony, anger and animosity; the Julian Alvarez summer transfer saga in a nutshell.
From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2026
But I do not believe that what you’re saying about the animosity in terms of the press, particularly the actual people in that briefing room, is justified.
From Salon ● Jan. 12, 2020
When I went in to see him I explained the situation evenly and without animosity.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
“The burdens of war and occupation had created a dense web of resentments and suspicions, of grudges and animosities, that did not simply fade away when the fighting ended.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026
In 2018, Buddhist monks in North and South Korea held joint services when animosities between their governments eased.
From Seattle Times ● May 11, 2024
Indonesia said the forum should be a place for cooperation and not for the sharpening of animosities.
From Reuters ● Sep. 7, 2023
The talks saw Japan and South Korea put aside their historical animosities to forge a defense pact with the United States aimed at deterring Chinese and North Korean aggression.
From New York Times ● Aug. 19, 2023
These two groups were obliged to work side by side in the war plants, and their animosities festered and opened like boils on the face of the city.
From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
