Enmity vs. Animosity — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 26, 2024
Enmity refers to a feeling of active hostility or opposition, typically long-standing, whereas animosity involves strong hostility often with active dislike, but can be less enduring.
Difference Between Enmity and Animosity
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Enmity often implies a deep, entrenched opposition usually stemming from historical conflicts or profound disagreements, whereas animosity might arise quickly due to specific incidents or clashes of personality.
Enmity can be seen in long-standing rivalries such as between nations or ideological factions, on the other hand, animosity can occur between individuals due to personal grievances or competitive situations.
Animosity is generally more emotional and may manifest in more overt displays of resentment or anger, whereas enmity might be characterized by a more consistent, calm antipathy that doesn’t necessarily show open confrontation.
Enmity often carries a sense of mutual hostility that is acknowledged and sustained over time, while animosity could be one-sided or fluctuate in intensity depending on circumstances.
Relationships defined by enmity are usually marked by avoidance and a formal acknowledgment of hostility, while relationships filled with animosity might still involve forced interactions, which can lead to uncomfortable or heated exchanges.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Deep-seated, often mutual hostility.
Strong feeling of dislike or hatred, often less stable.
Duration
Typically long-standing; historical roots.
Can be temporary or fluctuating.
Emotional Intensity
May be less openly emotional.
Often involves strong, active emotions.
Basis of Feeling
Often based on profound disagreements or conflict.
Can arise from personal grievances or clashes.
Interaction Patterns
Avoidance and formal acknowledgment of hostility.
Possible forced interactions with discomfort.
Compare with Definitions
Enmity
A deep-seated animosity that affects relationships profoundly.
Enmity between the two families disrupted the community.
Animosity
Hostility that can fluctuate in intensity.
Their animosity cooled off after they had a chance to talk.
Enmity
A state of being enemies.
The enmity between them prevented any form of reconciliation.
Animosity
Hostile feelings that may not be mutual.
She felt a strong animosity towards him, which wasn’t reciprocated.
Enmity
An antagonistic attitude that sustains over time.
Their enmity began in childhood and lasted into their adulthood.
Animosity
A feeling that may lead to bitterness and resentment.
Animosity grew between the coworkers after the promotion was announced.
Enmity
A feeling of hostility towards someone as an opponent.
The enmity between the two political leaders was evident during the debate.
Animosity
Emotionally charged antagonism.
Animosity flared up quickly but was usually short-lived.
Enmity
Hostility that is entrenched and often mutual.
The historical enmity between the two countries has lasted for centuries.
Animosity
Strong hostility or active dislike.
His sudden burst of animosity surprised everyone at the meeting.
Enmity
Deep-seated, often mutual hatred.
Animosity
Bitter hostility or open enmity; active hatred.
Enmity
A feeling or state of hatred or animosity
"More than almost any public man I have ever met, he has avoided exciting personal enmities" (Theodore Roosevelt).
Animosity
A hostile feeling or act.
Enmity
The quality of being an enemy; hostile or unfriendly disposition.
Animosity
Violent hatred leading to active opposition; active enmity; energetic dislike.
Enmity
A state or feeling of opposition, hostility, hatred or animosity.
Animosity
Mere spiritedness or courage.
Such as give some proof of animosity, audacity, and execution, those she [the crocodile] loveth.
Enmity
The quality of being an enemy; hostile or unfriendly disposition.
No ground of enmity between us known.
Animosity
Violent hatred leading to active opposition; active enmity; energetic dislike.
Such [writings] as naturally conduce to inflame hatreds and make enmities irreconcilable.
[These] factions . . . never suspended their animosities till they ruined that unhappy government.
Enmity
A state of opposition; hostility.
The friendship of the world is enmity with God.
Animosity
A feeling of ill will arousing active hostility
Enmity
A state of deep-seated ill-will
Enmity
The feeling of a hostile person;
He could no longer contain his hostility
Common Curiosities
How does animosity affect relationships?
Animosity can cause significant strain and discomfort in relationships, often leading to conflicts and estrangement.
Is enmity always obvious?
Enmity might not always be overtly expressed and can exist as a quiet, enduring opposition.
What is animosity?
Animosity is a strong feeling of dislike or hatred that can be intense but less stable than enmity.
What is enmity?
Enmity is a deep-seated, often mutual hostility, typically rooted in long-standing issues.
Can animosity be resolved quickly?
Yes, unlike enmity, animosity can sometimes be resolved through communication and changes in circumstances.
What can cause animosity?
Personal grievances, misunderstandings, and direct conflicts can lead to animosity.
How do people typically react to animosity?
Reactions to animosity can be more emotional, ranging from anger to overt hostility.
Can enmity be one-sided?
While enmity usually involves mutual feelings, one-sided enmity can occur, especially if the hostility is not openly acknowledged by one party.
What can cause enmity?
Historical conflicts, deep-seated ideological differences, or long-standing rivalries can cause enmity.
Are enmity and animosity always negative?
While typically viewed as negative, these emotions can sometimes drive positive change or resolutions.
How do people typically react to enmity?
People often react to enmity with formal avoidance and careful interaction to prevent conflicts.
How do societies handle animosity?
Societies may address animosity through mediation, counseling, or community interventions.
Can enmity change into animosity?
Enmity can evolve into animosity, especially if the underlying issues become more personally charged.
Can animosity lead to violence?
Yes, intense animosity can sometimes escalate into violent confrontations.
How do societies handle enmity?
Societies often handle enmity through diplomatic means, treaties, or sustained avoidance.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
