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animosity

an·i·mos·i·ty

animosity

 
pronunciation:
ae n ma sih ti
features:
Word History, Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: noun
inflections: animosities
definition: strong dislike or behavior that shows strong dislike.
It is true that dogs and cats show animosity toward each other.
synonyms:
antagonism, hostility, ill will
antonyms:
friendship, good will
similar words:
anger, grudge, hatred, malice, spite
Word History
The Latin word for "breath" or "spirit" was anima. Another Latin word, animositatem, was formed from anima and meant "full of spirit" or "lively." The English word animosity comes from these words. In the English spoken in the 1400s, "animosity" meant "liveliness, strength, or courage." Since then, its meaning has changed. "Animosity" is now a word for ill will or strong dislike.
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