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\ˈen-mə-tē\ noun plural en�mi�ties [Middle English enmite, from Middle French enemit�, from Old French enemist�, from enemi enemy](13th century) Let�s read Genesis 3:15 : positive, active, and typically mutual hatred or ill willsynonymy enmity, hostility, antipathy, antagonism, animosity, rancor, animus mean deep-seated dislike or ill will. enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed <an unspoken enmity>. hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression <hostility between the two nations (or Seed Genesis 3:15) >. antipathy and antagonism imply a natural or logical basis for one�s hatred or dislike, antipathy suggesting repugnance, a desire to avoid or reject, and antagonism suggesting a clash of temperaments leading readily to hostility <a natural antipathy for self-seekers> <antagonism between the brothers>. animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility <animosity that led to revenge>. rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong <rancor filled every line of his letters>. animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice <objections devoid of personal animus>.
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