hostile - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
hostile Word Meanings
- angry and unfriendly
- opposed or resistant
- showing enmity or antagonism
hostile Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
hostile Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈhɒstaɪl/
US
/ˈhɑːstaɪl/
hostile Word Etymology
The word 'hostile' comes from Latin 'hostilis', meaning 'of an enemy', from 'hostis', meaning 'enemy'. Imagine a castle under siege by an enemy, with knights defending it, embodying a hostile stance.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I plant my feet, take a careful step, and lock my gaze on the other person. The room tightens as a hard look lands, I push back just enough to claim a boundary. I adjust my posture, keep my breath steady, and turn a fraction to keep space between us. Through that small choreography of move and stance, the feeling of hostility starts to become real in the moment.
Real Context
Hostile is an adjective used to describe people, attitudes, or situations that show active anger, unfriendly behavior, or strong opposition. A hostile person may speak in a sharp, aggressive tone; a hostile environment feels unsafe or unwelcoming; a policy or attitude can be hostile toward a group or idea. In phrases we say someone is being hostile toward or against something, sometimes with toward or against. The term conveys intent and antagonism, not mere disagreement or sadness. Learners often confuse hostile with unfriendly or rude, or mix up the prepositions (to, toward, against). Practicing with examples helps distinguish degree and target.
Usage Reminders
- Be mindful of prepositions: be hostile to/against someone or something, or hostile toward.
- Hostile describes intentional hostility, not just disagreement.
- Use in contexts like environments, negotiations, or confrontations.
- Antonyms: friendly, welcoming, neutral.
- Noun form is hostility.
- Avoid overusing in casual, informal chat.
Common Misconceptions
- Hostile does not mean dangerous or scary by itself.
- It is stronger than simply 'unfriendly'.
- Prepositions (to, toward, against) change who or what is targeted.
- It can describe environments, not only people.
- Avoid using it for mild disagreement.
Thinking Differences
In English, hostile marks a clear, active opposition and is stronger than simply 'unfriendly'; be mindful of the target (to/toward/against) to convey the exact stance.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations: be hostile to/against someone or something, or hostile toward.
- Distinguish hostile from unfriendly; intensity matters.
- Practice with 'hostile environment' and 'hostile takeover' to see fixed phrases.
- Use the noun hostility to discuss the feeling itself.
- Always check the target and preposition before using.
- Pronounce /ˈhɒstaɪl/ or /ˈhɑːstaɪl/ depending on dialect.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'hostile'?
A.Friendly
B.Angry
C.Happy
D.Sad
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'hostile' correctly?
A.The cat was hostile towards the fish.
B.The dog was very hostile towards its owner.
C.The sun was hostile towards the sky.
D.The tree was hostile towards the flower.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'hostile'?
A.Excited
B.Generous
C.Aggressive
D.Confused
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'hostile'?
A.Friendly
B.Calm
C.Brave
D.Smart
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'hostile'?
A.A fun day at the beach
B.A peaceful picnic in the park
C.A heated argument between coworkers
D.A quiet reading session at home
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