What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
aggressive
Example
The salesperson used aggressive tactics to close the deal. [aggressive: adjective]
Example
She aggressively pursued her career goals, never giving up. [aggressively: adverb]
hostile
Example
The hostile crowd threw rocks at the police officers. [hostile: adjective]
Example
The company faced a hostile takeover bid from a rival firm. [hostile: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Aggressive is more commonly used than hostile in everyday language, especially in contexts such as sports, business, or self-improvement. Hostile is less common and usually reserved for situations that involve danger, threat, or violence.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between aggressive and hostile?
Both aggressive and hostile are negative words that are typically associated with an informal or negative tone. However, aggressive can also be used in a more neutral or positive context, such as describing a proactive approach to problem-solving.
