What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hatred
Example
She felt a deep hatred towards her ex-husband after their divorce. [hatred: noun]
Example
His hatred for his boss was evident in the way he spoke about him. [hatred: noun]
hostility
Example
The two countries have a history of hostility towards each other. [hostility: noun]
Example
Her hostile behavior towards her coworkers made it difficult to work with her. [hostile: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hostility is more commonly used than hatred in everyday language. Hostility is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while hatred is a stronger and more extreme emotion that is less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hatred and hostility?
Both hatred and hostility are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts. However, hostility may be used in more casual situations as well.