If you have encountered the word “enmity” in a book, news article, historical account, movie, or formal conversation, you may wonder what it means.
Enmity refers to a strong feeling of hostility, hatred, or deep opposition toward another person, group, or organization.
For example:
“The two families have a long history of enmity.”
This means the two families have had strong hostility or hatred toward each other for a long time.
Unlike a simple disagreement or argument, enmity usually suggests deep and lasting hostility. It is often used when people or groups have a serious conflict that continues over time.
The word is common in literature, history, politics, journalism, law, religion, and formal English.
What Does Enmity Mean?
Simple Definition
Enmity means a strong feeling of hostility, hatred, or opposition toward someone or something.
In simple English:
Enmity = strong and lasting hatred or hostility between people or groups.
For example:
“There was deep enmity between the rival teams.”
This means the teams strongly disliked or opposed each other.
Enmity Meaning in Simple English
The easiest way to understand enmity is:
Enmity = strong hostility or hatred.
It describes a relationship in which people or groups are strongly opposed to each other.
Example
“Years of political conflict created enmity between the two groups.”
Meaning:
Years of conflict caused the groups to develop strong hostility toward each other.
Enmity Pronunciation
Enmity is commonly pronounced:
EN-muh-tee
Phonetic pronunciation:
/ˈenməti/
The stress is on the first syllable:
EN-muh-tee.
What Is Enmity?
Enmity is a state or feeling of deep hostility or hatred.
It can exist between:
- Individuals
- Families
- Friends
- Political parties
- Countries
- Organizations
- Communities
- Rival groups
- Businesses
- Teams
For example:
“The enmity between the two political parties lasted for decades.”
This means the two parties remained strongly opposed to each other for many years.
Enmity Examples in Sentences
Example 1
“There was deep enmity between the two families.”
Meaning: The families had strong hostility toward each other.
Example 2
“Years of conflict created enmity between the neighboring countries.”
Meaning: Long-term conflict caused strong hostility between the countries.
Example 3
“The rivalry eventually turned into open enmity.”
Meaning: The rivalry became a clear and serious form of hostility.
Example 4
“She tried to put aside her enmity toward her former colleague.”
Meaning: She tried to stop feeling hostile toward her former colleague.
Example 5
“Political enmity divided the community.”
Meaning: Political hostility caused division within the community.
Enmity in Everyday English
Enmity is not one of the most common words in casual conversation. It is more frequently found in formal or literary English.
In everyday speech, people might say:
- Hatred
- Hostility
- Bad feelings
- Conflict
- Dislike
- Feud
- Animosity
- Hard feelings
Instead of:
“There is enmity between them.”
A person might casually say:
“They really dislike each other.”
However, enmity is useful when describing serious, deep, or long-lasting hostility.
Enmity vs. Hatred
Hatred and enmity are closely related, but they are not exactly the same.
Hatred describes an intense feeling of dislike toward someone or something.
Enmity describes hostility or hatred, often between opposing people or groups.
Examples
“He felt hatred toward his enemy.”
→ He strongly disliked the enemy.
“There was enmity between the two countries.”
→ The countries had a hostile relationship.
Enmity often emphasizes the relationship between opponents, while hatred can describe an individual’s feelings.
Enmity vs. Hostility
These words are very similar.
Hostility means unfriendly, aggressive, or antagonistic behavior or feelings.
Enmity usually suggests deeper and more lasting hostility.
Example
“The meeting was marked by hostility.”
→ The participants behaved in an unfriendly or aggressive way.
“There was longstanding enmity between the two organizations.”
→ The organizations had a deep history of hostility.
Enmity vs. Animosity
Animosity means strong dislike or hostility.
It is one of the closest synonyms of enmity.
Example
“There was considerable animosity between the competitors.”
“There was considerable enmity between the competitors.”
Both sentences indicate strong hostility.
However, enmity can sound slightly more formal or literary.
Enmity vs. Feud
A feud is a prolonged and bitter conflict, often between individuals, families, or groups.
Enmity refers to the feeling of hostility that may exist during a feud.
For example:
“The families had been involved in a feud for years.”
This describes the ongoing conflict.
“The families felt deep enmity toward each other.”
This describes their hostile feelings.
Enmity vs. Rivalry
Rivalry does not necessarily involve hatred.
Two people or groups can be rivals while still respecting each other.
For example:
“There is a strong rivalry between the two teams.”
This could simply mean they compete intensely.
But:
“There is enmity between the two teams.”
suggests a much more hostile relationship.
Synonyms of Enmity
Common synonyms include:
- Hostility
- Hatred
- Animosity
- Antagonism
- Malice
- Resentment
- Ill will
- Antipathy
- Bitterness
- Feud
- Opposition
- Estrangement
Best Synonyms by Context
| Synonym | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hostility | Unfriendly or aggressive feelings |
| Hatred | Intense dislike |
| Animosity | Strong hostility |
| Antagonism | Active opposition |
| Malice | Desire to harm |
| Resentment | Bitter feeling caused by perceived unfairness |
| Ill will | Unfriendly feelings |
| Antipathy | Strong dislike |
| Bitterness | Deep anger or resentment |
| Feud | Long-lasting conflict |
Antonyms of Enmity
Common antonyms include:
- Friendship
- Love
- Affection
- Harmony
- Peace
- Friendship
- Cooperation
- Goodwill
- Respect
- Kindness
- Understanding
- Reconciliation
Example
Enmity:
“There was deep enmity between the groups.”
Opposite:
“There was strong goodwill between the groups.”
Is Enmity a Negative Word?
Yes. Enmity is generally a negative word because it describes strong hostility, hatred, or opposition.
For example:
“Their enmity caused years of conflict.”
The word itself refers to an undesirable relationship or emotional state.
Is Enmity a Formal Word?
Yes. Enmity is a relatively formal word.
It is commonly used in:
- History
- Literature
- Politics
- Journalism
- Law
- Academic writing
- International relations
- Formal discussions
It is less common in casual conversation.
How to Use Enmity Correctly
Enmity is a noun.
It usually describes a state or feeling of hostility.
Common Structures
enmity between + people/groups
Example:
“There was enmity between the two families.”
enmity toward + person/group
Example:
“He expressed enmity toward his former rival.”
enmity with + person/group
Example:
“The country remained in enmity with its neighbor.”
The most natural modern structure is often:
enmity between X and Y
Examples
“There was longstanding enmity between the rival groups.”
“Years of competition created enmity between the organizations.”
Common Phrases With Enmity
Common expressions include:
- Deep enmity
- Bitter enmity
- Longstanding enmity
- Open enmity
- Mutual enmity
- Personal enmity
- Political enmity
- Religious enmity
- Historical enmity
- Enmity between
- Enmity toward
- Harbor enmity
- Feel enmity
- Show enmity
Deep Enmity Meaning
Deep enmity means very strong and deeply rooted hostility.
For example:
“There was deep enmity between the rival families.”
This suggests their hostility was intense and possibly longstanding.
Mutual Enmity Meaning
Mutual enmity means two people or groups strongly dislike or oppose each other.
For example:
“The two political leaders share a history of mutual enmity.”
This means both leaders have strong hostile feelings toward each other.
Longstanding Enmity Meaning
Longstanding enmity refers to hostility that has existed for a long period.
For example:
“The peace agreement ended decades of longstanding enmity.”
This means the agreement brought an end to many years of hostility.
Harbor Enmity Meaning
The phrase “harbor enmity” means to continue holding hostile or hateful feelings toward someone.
For example:
“He continued to harbor enmity toward his former business partner.”
This means he continued to feel hostility toward that person.
Other examples:
- “She harbored enmity toward her former rival.”
- “The groups continued to harbor enmity after the dispute.”
- “He refused to harbor enmity against his former opponent.”
Enmity Between Meaning
“Enmity between” is one of the most common constructions.
For example:
“The enmity between the two families lasted for generations.”
This means the two families had a long-lasting hostile relationship.
Other examples:
“The enmity between the rival political parties intensified.”
“The treaty helped reduce enmity between the nations.”
Enmity Toward Meaning
“Enmity toward” describes hostile feelings directed at someone or something.
For example:
“His enmity toward his former employer was obvious.”
This means he clearly felt hostile toward his former employer.
Enmity in Relationships
Enmity can describe serious hostility between people in personal relationships.
For example:
“Their friendship eventually turned into enmity.”
This means their relationship changed from friendship to strong hostility.
Another example:
“Years of disagreement created enmity between the brothers.”
This means their disagreements eventually caused deep hostility.
Enmity Between Friends
When friends develop enmity, their relationship becomes strongly hostile.
For example:
“A disagreement over money created enmity between the former friends.”
This means their disagreement resulted in deep hostility.
Enmity Between Families
The word is often used in stories and historical accounts involving family conflicts.
For example:
“The enmity between the two families lasted for generations.”
This describes a deep and long-lasting family conflict.
Enmity in Politics
Enmity is frequently used in political writing.
For example:
“Political enmity prevented the two parties from reaching an agreement.”
This means strong hostility between the parties prevented cooperation.
Another example:
“The leaders eventually put aside their political enmity.”
This means they stopped allowing their political hostility to prevent cooperation.
Enmity Between Countries
Enmity can describe hostile relationships between nations.
For example:
“The treaty helped end decades of enmity between the two countries.”
This means the treaty helped end a long period of hostility.
Enmity in History
The word is particularly common in historical writing.
For example:
“The longstanding enmity between the kingdoms led to repeated wars.”
This means the kingdoms had deep hostility toward each other, contributing to repeated conflicts.
Enmity in Literature
Writers frequently use enmity to describe relationships between enemies, rivals, families, or opposing characters.
For example:
“The novel explores the enmity between two powerful families.”
The word creates a stronger impression than simply saying the families disliked each other.
Enmity in Religion
In formal religious or historical discussions, enmity may describe deep hostility between groups or opposing forces.
For example:
“The text describes the enmity between the opposing groups.”
The exact meaning depends on the context.
Enmity in Law
Legal and formal writing may use enmity to describe hostility or antagonism between individuals or parties.
For example:
“The history of enmity between the parties was considered during the dispute.”
This indicates that the parties had a history of serious hostility.
Enmity in International Relations
In international relations, enmity describes deep hostility between nations or political groups.
For example:
“Diplomatic negotiations aimed to reduce longstanding enmity between the countries.”
This means diplomats attempted to reduce long-term hostility.
How to Remember the Meaning of Enmity
A simple way to remember enmity is:
Enmity = deep hostility between enemies or opponents.
Think of two groups that have been fighting or opposing each other for many years.
You could say:
“There is deep enmity between them.”
Easy Memory Example
Friendship → cooperation
Rivalry → competition
Enmity → deep hostility
This makes the meaning easier to remember.
Enmity in a Sentence: More Examples
- “There was deep enmity between the two families.”
- “Years of conflict created enmity between the groups.”
- “The treaty helped reduce longstanding enmity.”
- “He harbored enmity toward his former rival.”
- “Political enmity prevented cooperation.”
- “The rivalry eventually turned into open enmity.”
- “Their mutual enmity was obvious.”
- “The leaders attempted to overcome their enmity.”
- “Historical enmity continued to affect relations between the countries.”
- “The two organizations have a long history of enmity.”
Quick Reference Table
| Word | Meaning | Typical Context |
| Enmity | Deep hostility or hatred | Formal/literary |
| Hatred | Intense dislike | General |
| Hostility | Unfriendly or aggressive feelings | General/formal |
| Animosity | Strong dislike or hostility | Formal |
| Antagonism | Active opposition | Formal |
| Feud | Long-lasting conflict | Personal/family |
| Rivalry | Competition | Sports/business |
| Resentment | Bitter feeling from perceived unfairness | Personal |
| Malice | Desire to harm | Formal |
| Goodwill | Friendly or cooperative feelings | Opposite |
FAQs
What does enmity mean?
Enmity means strong hostility, hatred, or opposition toward another person or group.
What is the simple definition of enmity?
In simple English, enmity means deep and lasting hostility or hatred.
What is a synonym for enmity?
Common synonyms include hostility, hatred, animosity, antagonism, malice, resentment, ill will, and antipathy.
What is the opposite of enmity?
Common opposites include friendship, goodwill, affection, harmony, peace, cooperation, respect, and understanding.
Is enmity a negative word?
Yes. Enmity describes a negative relationship involving strong hostility or hatred.
Is enmity a formal word?
Yes. Enmity is most common in formal, literary, historical, political, academic, and journalistic writing.
Is enmity the same as hatred?
They are closely related. Hatred can describe an individual’s intense dislike, while enmity often describes a hostile relationship between opposing people or groups.
Is enmity the same as hostility?
They are very similar. Enmity often suggests deep or long-lasting hostility, while hostility can describe a broader range of unfriendly behavior or feelings.
Is enmity the same as rivalry?
No. Rivalry means competition, while enmity means strong hostility. Rivals can respect each other, but enmity suggests much stronger negative feelings.
What does deep enmity mean?
Deep enmity means very strong and deeply rooted hostility or hatred.
What does mutual enmity mean?
Mutual enmity means both sides strongly dislike or oppose each other.
What does longstanding enmity mean?
Longstanding enmity means hostility that has continued for a long time.
What does “harbor enmity” mean?
To harbor enmity means to continue holding hostile or hateful feelings toward someone.
What does “enmity between” mean?
“Enmity between” describes hostility between two people, groups, organizations, or countries.
Example:
“There was enmity between the two families.”
What does “enmity toward” mean?
“Enmity toward” describes hostile feelings directed at a particular person or group.
Example:
“He felt enmity toward his former rival.”
Can enmity describe a relationship?
Yes. Enmity can describe a relationship characterized by strong hostility.
Can enmity exist between friends?
Yes. Former friends can develop enmity after serious conflicts or disagreements.
Can enmity exist between countries?
Yes. The word is often used to describe long-lasting hostility between nations.
What does political enmity mean?
Political enmity means strong hostility between political individuals, parties, or groups.
What does historical enmity mean?
Historical enmity means hostility that developed or continued over a significant period of history.
How do you pronounce enmity?
Enmity is commonly pronounced EN-muh-tee, /ˈenməti/.
Is enmity stronger than dislike?
Generally, yes. Enmity suggests much stronger hostility than ordinary dislike.
What is an example of enmity?
“The two families had a history of enmity.”
This means they had a long history of strong hostility toward each other.
How do you use enmity in a sentence?
You can say:
“Years of conflict created deep enmity between the two groups.”
Can enmity be overcome?
Yes. Reconciliation, communication, cooperation, forgiveness, or a peace agreement can help reduce or end enmity.
Conclusion
The enmity meaning is strong hostility, hatred, or deep opposition toward another person, group, or organization.
In simple English, enmity means deep and lasting hostility.
For example:
“There was deep enmity between the two families.”
This means the families strongly disliked or opposed each other.
Enmity is generally a formal word and is especially common in history, literature, politics, journalism, law, international relations, and academic writing.
Its closest synonyms include hostility, hatred, animosity, antagonism, resentment, and ill will. Its opposites include friendship, goodwill, peace, harmony, cooperation, and affection.
Quick answer: Enmity means deep, strong, and often lasting hostility or hatred between people or groups.
