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nounnoun

die Feindseligkeit, -en

hostility

Ein tiefes Gefühl von Ablehnung oder Hass gegenüber einer anderen Person oder Gruppe, das oft zu unfreundlichem Verhalten oder Streit führt.

Definition & meaning

Feindseligkeit primarily refers to a deep-seated feeling of enmity, hatred, or ill will towards another person, group, or entity. It describes a hostile attitude or a state of mind characterized by an intent to harm or oppose someone.

In a broader sense, especially when used in the plural (Feindseligkeiten), the word refers to actual acts of aggression or military conflict. For example, "the cessation of hostilities" in a war context is translated as "die Einstellung der Feindseligkeiten".

The term can be used in various contexts:

  1. Personal: A feeling of strong dislike or resentment between individuals.
  2. Social/Political: Tension or aggressive behavior between different social groups or nations.
  3. Military: Open warfare or physical combat operations.

Grammar & Word origin

The word Feindseligkeit is a feminine noun. Its plural form is Feindseligkeiten.

It is a derivative of the adjective feindselig (hostile). The structure of the word is broken down into three main components:

  • Feind : The noun meaning "enemy."
  • -selig: A suffix that, in this specific historical development, does not mean "blessed" (as in glückselig), but originates from the Middle High German suffix -salich, used to form adjectives indicating a tendency or a state of being.
  • -keit: A common German suffix used to turn adjectives into abstract feminine nouns.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Feindschaft : Enmity or a state of being enemies.
  • Hass : Hatred; a very strong feeling of dislike.
  • Aggression : Aggressiveness or physical/verbal attack.
  • Ablehnung : Rejection or a negative stance toward something/someone.
  • Groll : Resentment or a long-held grudge.
  • Aversion : A strong dislike or disinclination.

Antonyms:

  • Freundschaft : Friendship; a state of mutual trust and support.
  • Wohlwollen : Benevolence or good will.
  • Zuneigung : Affection or fondness.
  • Friedfertigkeit : Peacefulness or a conciliatory nature.
  • Eintracht : Concord, harmony, or unity.

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Examples

Die Feindseligkeit zwischen den Nachbarn wächst.noun

The hostility between the neighbors is growing.

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