Definition
Unfriendly or hostile in manner or behavior; showing anger or enmity; tending to attack or oppose.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
unfriendly, hostile, aggressive, menacing, combative, warlike
Antonyms
friendly, amicable, peaceful, cooperative, kind, welcoming
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | hostiles, hostile, hostilities, hostilitiess, hostility |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | hostile |
| Adverb | hostilely |
Example Sentences
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The hostile takeover attempt by the rival company led to a fierce battle for control.
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The hostile crowd jeered and threw objects at the opposing team’s players.
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The employee felt targeted and unwelcome due to the hostile work environment created by her colleagues.
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The heated argument escalated into a hostile confrontation, with insults and threats exchanged.
Usage
The word “hostile” originated from the Latin word “hostilis,” which means “of an enemy” or “belonging to an enemy.” The term evolved over time to describe a state of opposition, enmity, or aggression.
The prefix “hos-” denotes hostility or enmity, while the suffix “-ile” transforms the word into an adjective. The root of “hostile” is related to the Latin word “hostis,” which means “enemy.”
“Hostile” is an adjective used to describe something that is considered to be aggressive, unfriendly, or threatening. It suggests an attitude or behavior that is characterized by opposition, conflict, or violence, and may evoke feelings of fear, anger, or hostility in those who experience it. People or things that are described as hostile may be perceived as dangerous, unpredictable, or unreasonable, and may be difficult to engage with or deal with in a peaceful or constructive manner. The word is often used to describe interactions between individuals or groups that are characterized by animosity, competition, or conflict, but can also be used to describe natural phenomena, such as hostile weather conditions, or physical spaces, such as hostile environments.
Variations of the word “hostile” include “hostility” as a noun form and “hostilely” as an adverb form.
Understanding the history and usage of “hostile” reminds us of the potential for conflict and the importance of fostering understanding and collaboration. It serves as a reminder to approach disagreements with respect and to seek peaceful resolutions. Promoting a culture of inclusivity and open dialogue can help mitigate hostile attitudes and behaviors.