Reading Theme:
Hostility Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：aggressive opposition (hostility)
hostility
/hɑːˈstɪlɪti/
n.
Unfriendly or aggressive feelings or behavior between people or groups.
aggressive opposition
➕
/əˈɡrɛsɪv ˌɒpəˈzɪʃən/
n.
Hostility refers to an attitude of deep-seated unfriendliness or aggressive behavior, often shown through words or actions.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'hostilis' (enemy), derived from 'hostis' (stranger, enemy).
💡 Mnemonic
Hostility: a 'host' who is ill-tempered creates a 'hostile' environment.
📖 Example
The hostility between the fans of the two football teams was obvious, with shouting and angry gestures filling the air.
The hostility between the fans of the two football teams was obvious, with shouting and angry gestures filling the air.
🔗 Collocations
open hostility – publicly displayed unfriendliness
mutual hostility – hostility felt or shown by both sides
hostility towards – hostile feelings directed at someone or something
🔄 Synonyms
antagonism (n.) – active hostility or opposition
enmity (n.) – a state or feeling of active opposition or hostility
animosity (n.) – strong hostility or dislike
🚫 Antonyms
friendliness (n.) – kindness and warmth towards others
amity (n.) – friendly relations between people or groups
goodwill (n.) – friendly, helpful, or cooperative feelings
🌱 Derivatives
hostile (adj.) – unfriendly or antagonistic
hostilely (adv.) – in a hostile manner
hostilities (n.) – acts of warfare or open conflict
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Latin 'hostis' (stranger), 'hostility' came to signify the aggressive opposition between groups. It is a key term in political and social conflicts.
Meaning 2：strong public opposition (hostility)
hostility
/hɑːˈstɪlɪti/
n.
Strong public opposition to a new plan or idea.
strong public opposition
➕
/strɒŋ ˈpʌblɪk ˌɒpəˈzɪʃən/
n.
Hostility in this context means intense and widespread resistance or disapproval from the public towards a proposed policy, plan, or idea.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The city council's plan to increase parking fees met with immediate hostility from local residents and shop owners.
The city council's plan to increase parking fees met with immediate hostility from local residents and shop owners.
🔗 Collocations
meet with hostility – to encounter strong opposition
face hostility – to be confronted with hostile reactions
public hostility – opposition from the general public
🔄 Synonyms
resistance (n.) – the refusal to accept or comply with something
opposition (n.) – strong disagreement with or resistance to a plan or idea
disapproval (n.) – the act of expressing an unfavorable opinion
🚫 Antonyms
support (n.) – approval and encouragement for a plan or idea
approval (n.) – a positive opinion or acceptance
endorsement (n.) – public declaration of support
Wordbook
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