Basic Details
Word: Hostile
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Unfriendly or aggressive towards someone or something; showing dislike or opposition.
Synonyms: Unfriendly, antagonistic, aggressive
Antonyms: Friendly, welcoming, amicable
Idioms and Phrases
- Hostile takeover: When one company takes control of another by buying a majority of its shares. Example: "The smaller firm was worried about a hostile takeover by the larger corporation."
- Walk into a hostile environment: To enter a situation or place that is unfriendly or full of opposition. Example: "He felt like he was walking into a hostile environment on his first day at the new school."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The negotiations became tense when both sides adopted a hostile attitude towards each other.
Example 2: After hearing the unfriendly comments, she realised that some of her classmates were quite hostile.
Example 3: The hostile weather conditions made it difficult for rescue teams to reach the stranded hikers.
Fun Fact
The word "hostile" comes from the Latin word "hostilis," which means "of an enemy." This highlights that it has been associated with enmity and opposition for centuries!
Famous Quote
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself, nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." Franklin D. Roosevelt
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "hostile" mean?
a) Friendly
b) Unfriendly
c) Joyful
d) Helpful
Answer: b) Unfriendly
2. Which of these is a synonym of "hostile"?
a) Amicable
b) Unfriendly
c) Gentle
d) Caring
Answer: b) Unfriendly
3. Which sentence uses "hostile" correctly?
a) The dog acted hostile towards the stranger.
b) The flowers bloomed in the hostile sunshine.
c) The bird sang a hostile tune.
d) The cake was decorated in a hostile manner.
Answer: a) The dog acted hostile towards the stranger.
4. Which idiom relates to a 'hostile' situation?
a) Walk into a hostile environment
b) Take the bull by the horns
c) The icing on the cake
d) A piece of cake
Answer: a) Walk into a hostile environment
5. What is the opposite of "hostile"?
a) Friendly
b) Aggressive
c) Antagonistic
d) Hostile
Answer: a) Friendly
