What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vitriol
Example
The politician's speech was filled with vitriol towards his opponent. [vitriol: noun]
Example
She spewed vitriolic comments about her ex-husband during the interview. [vitriolic: adjective]
animosity
Example
There is a lot of animosity between the two rival gangs in the city. [animosity: noun]
Example
She felt a deep animosity towards her former boss after being unfairly fired. [animosity: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Animosity is more commonly used than vitriol in everyday language. Animosity is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while vitriol is less common and more specific to situations involving harsh criticism or language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vitriol and animosity?
Both vitriol and animosity can be used in formal or informal contexts, but vitriol is often associated with a more aggressive and informal tone, while animosity can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
