enmity
/ˈenməti/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈenməti/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈen-mə-tē/ (ame, mw)
enmity — noun
- enmitysingular
- enmitiesplural
1. a strong, active feeling of dislike or opposition between two people or groups w
a strong, active feeling of dislike or opposition between two people or groups who are on opposite sides — often lasting for a very long time, such as between rival families, political parties, or neighbouring countries
The old enmity between the two families kept Wei's relatives from visiting the other side of the valley.
enmity between [two parties] — groups in long-term opposition
Sofia and her sister finally set aside their lifelong enmity and began to speak again.
set aside / end enmity — collocation for stopping hostility
After the war, deep enmity between the two countries made travel across the border very dangerous.
The king's cruel orders created lasting enmity between the royal court and the farming villages.
Despite their old enmity, Kenji and Diego agreed to work together on the community garden project.
- hostility
less intense and less permanent than enmity; can describe a temporary mood
- animosity
strong dislike, but often more personal/emotional than enmity's sense of structured opposition
- antagonism
active opposition or conflict, often between groups; slightly more action-oriented than enmity
- ill will
milder and more general than enmity; can describe unfriendliness without active opposition
- friendship
warm, positive relationship between people
- goodwill
kindness and positive regard, the opposite of ill will
- amity
formal term for peaceful, friendly relations between groups or nations
文法句型
enmity between [two parties]
enmity toward [someone]
用法筆記
Frequently uncountable, but a singular form ('an enmity') is possible when referring to a specific instance of hostility. More formal and weighty than 'hostility' or 'ill will'; common in historical, political, and literary writing.