What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hostile
Example
The protesters were met with hostile police officers. [hostile: adjective]
Example
She gave him a hostile look before storming out of the room. [hostile: adjective]
inimical
Example
The company's policies were inimical to the interests of its employees. [inimical: adjective]
Example
He faced an inimical audience who disagreed with his views. [inimical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hostile is more commonly used than inimical in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hostile and inimical?
Inimical is more formal and less commonly used than hostile.
