What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
enmity
Example
The enmity between the two families had been going on for generations. [enmity: noun]
Example
She felt a sense of enmity towards her ex-husband after their bitter divorce. [enmity: noun]
animosity
Example
There was a lot of animosity between the two coworkers who were competing for the same promotion. [animosity: noun]
Example
He couldn't hide his animosity towards his former friend who had betrayed him. [animosity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Animosity is more commonly used than enmity in everyday language. Animosity is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while enmity is less common and is typically used in more formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between enmity and animosity?
Enmity is generally considered more formal than animosity. It is often used in political or international relations contexts, while animosity is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
