antipathy
What does "antipathy" mean?
Antipathy is a deep-seated, instinctive feeling of dislike or aversion toward someone or something. Imagine a magnetic force pushing two objects apart; antipathy is the emotional equivalent, creating a strong sense of repulsion that makes you want to avoid or distance yourself from the person or thing in question. It is a formal term often used to describe long-standing conflicts or strong ideological disagreements. While "dislike" can be fleeting or trivial, "antipathy" implies a more permanent or ingrained hostility. It is frequently paired with words like "mutual" or "deep-rooted" and is common in academic or journalistic writing.
"antipathy" in conversation
Discussing a workplace conflict
I really don't understand why Mark and Jane can't work together.
I really don't understand why Mark and Jane can't work together.
It’s a long-standing antipathy; they’ve clashed on every project for years.
It’s a long-standing antipathy; they’ve clashed on every project for years.
Used here to describe a persistent, established dislike between coworkers.
Discussing political views
Why do you think the two parties refuse to compromise?
Why do you think the two parties refuse to compromise?
There is a genuine antipathy between their core ideologies.
There is a genuine antipathy between their core ideologies.
Used to explain why reconciliation is difficult due to fundamental differences.
"antipathy" in a sentence
She felt a strong antipathy toward the new rules.
She felt a strong antipathy toward the new rules.
The mutual antipathy between the two rivals made the meeting very tense.
The mutual antipathy between the two rivals made the meeting very tense.
Despite their long-standing antipathy, they agreed to cooperate for the sake of the project.
Despite their long-standing antipathy, they agreed to cooperate for the sake of the project.
