enmity
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “enmity” mean?
noun.the state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.
SAT Usage
enmity often appears in passages discussing conflict, rivalry, or historical tensions, emphasizing deep-seated hostility rather than mere disagreement. It conveys a sense of animosity that suggests a personal or emotional component, distinguishing it from similar words like "antipathy," which may lack the intensity of active opposition.
Common Confusions
Enmity implies a deep-seated and active hostility towards someone or something, while animosity usually suggests a general feeling of strong dislike without necessarily indicating ongoing conflict.
Do not choose enmity if the context emphasizes friendship or harmony rather than the state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.
Example Sentences
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Long-standing enmity between the two families shaped the feud.
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The enmity she felt was overwhelming.