Cool MateAggression vs Hostility
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Aggression | Hostility | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A feeling of being angry and wanting to fight or hurt someone. | Angry or unfriendly behavior |
| CEFR level | C1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Usage notes | Use 'aggression' in discussions about behavior, psychology, or sports. It is generally neutral but can be seen negatively in some contexts, such as describing violent actions. | Use 'hostility' to describe negative feelings or actions towards someone or something. Appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid it in casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Aggression vs Hostility
What's the difference between "Aggression" and "Hostility"?
"Aggression" means: A feeling of being angry and wanting to fight or hurt someone. "Hostility" means: Angry or unfriendly behavior
When should I use "Aggression" and "Hostility"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Aggression" and "Hostility" the same CEFR level?
"Aggression" is at C1, "Hostility" is at C1 on the CEFR scale.