C1noun 5K

Hostility

🇬🇧 UK /["/hɒˈstɪləti/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/hɑːˈstɪləti/"]/

Meaning of Hostility

aggressive or unfriendly feelings or behaviour

In simple words: Angry or unfriendly behavior

Hostility in a sentence

• The diplomatic talks broke down due to growing hostility between the two countries.
• She felt a sense of hostility from her coworkers after the promotion was announced.
• Hostility erupted on the streets as protesters clashed with the police.
• Despite the initial hostility, the two teams eventually agreed to cooperate.
• The region has been engulfed in hostility for decades due to unresolved conflicts.

How to use Hostility

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.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'hostile tea' – a tea party that turns unfriendly.

Related words

Collocations with Hostility

• bitter
• considerable
• deep
• feel
• sense
• express
• hostility between
• hostility against
• hostility to
• bitter
• considerable
• deep
• feel
• sense
• express
• hostility between
• hostility against
• hostility to
• major
• active
• cease
• end
• resume
• begin
• break out
• commence
• hostility against
• hostility between
• the cessation of hostilities
• an outbreak of hostilities

Synonyms for Hostility

• animosity
• antagonism
• aggression
• hatred
• enmity

Opposites of Hostility

• friendliness
• kindness
• amiability

Common mistakes with Hostility

• Confused with 'hospitality', which means being welcoming and friendly.
• Used incorrectly as a verb; 'hostility' is a noun.
• Mispronounced as 'hos-ti-lity' instead of 'hos-til-i-ty'.

Frequently asked questions about Hostility

What does Hostility mean?

Angry or unfriendly behavior

What is the definition of Hostility?

aggressive or unfriendly feelings or behaviour

How do you use Hostility in a sentence?

The diplomatic talks broke down due to growing hostility between the two countries.

Can you give another example of Hostility?

She felt a sense of hostility from her coworkers after the promotion was announced.

What are synonyms for Hostility?

Common alternatives include animosity, antagonism, aggression, hatred, enmity.

What is the opposite of Hostility?

Opposite meanings include friendliness, kindness, amiability.

What words go with Hostility?

It commonly pairs with bitter, considerable, deep, feel, sense, express, hostility between, hostility against, hostility to, bitter, considerable, deep, feel, sense, express, hostility between, hostility against, hostility to, major, active, cease, end, resume, begin, break out, commence, hostility against, hostility between, the cessation of hostilities, an outbreak of hostilities.

What are common mistakes when using Hostility?

Confused with 'hospitality', which means being welcoming and friendly. Used incorrectly as a verb; 'hostility' is a noun. Mispronounced as 'hos-ti-lity' instead of 'hos-til-i-ty'.

How do you pronounce Hostility?

US: /["/hɑːˈstɪləti/"]/, UK: /["/hɒˈstɪləti/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Hostility?

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.

What CEFR level is Hostility?

"Hostility" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.