animus
What does "animus" mean?
Animus refers to a strong feeling of hostility, ill will, or deep-seated resentment toward someone or something. It often implies a long-standing grudge or a subconscious, combative drive that fuels conflict. In usage, it is typically employed in formal or academic contexts to describe a motive for an attack or a persistent bias. While "animosity" describes the feeling itself, "animus" often emphasizes the underlying intent or the spirit of opposition behind an action.
"animus" in conversation
Workplace tension
I don't understand why he blocked my proposal.
I don't understand why he blocked my proposal.
I think there is some personal animus there from the last project.
I think there is some personal animus there from the last project.
Used to suggest a hidden, personal motive for a professional disagreement.
Literary analysis
The author clearly writes with great animus toward the political elite.
The author clearly writes with great animus toward the political elite.
Do you think it's meant to be a critique or just a personal attack?
Do you think it's meant to be a critique or just a personal attack?
Used to describe the underlying tone of an author's work.
"animus" in a sentence
The two neighbors have harbored a deep animus for years.
The two neighbors have harbored a deep animus for years.
Despite their clear animus, the team members managed to work together professionally.
Despite their clear animus, the team members managed to work together professionally.
The judge dismissed the case, noting that the prosecution's evidence was driven by personal animus rather than facts.
The judge dismissed the case, noting that the prosecution's evidence was driven by personal animus rather than facts.
