What is antipathy? Pronunciation and usage in English

antipathy means . Learn how to pronounce and use antipathy through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of antipathy

antipathynoun

/ænˈtɪpəθi//ænˈtɪpəθi/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "antipathy." It's a tricky word! Here's a phonetic breakdown and some tips:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˌæntɪˈpæθi/

Breakdown:

  • ˌæntɪ- - Sounds like "an-tee" (The "ˌ" symbol indicates a secondary stress)
  • ˈpæθi - Sounds like "pah-thee" (The 'ˈ' symbol indicates primary stress - it's the emphasized syllable)

Putting it Together:

It sounds roughly like: "An-tee-thee"

Here's a more detailed guide, with emphasis:

  1. "An": As in "ant" - short "a" sound.
  2. "tee": as in "tea" - short "e" sound.
  3. "thee": as in "theme" - The "th" is like the "th" in "thin."
  4. Stress: The key is the emphasis on the second syllable ("pah-thee"). It’s a strong, clear pronunciation of that syllable.

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Don't pronounce the "p": The "p" in "antipathy" is silent. It's a common point of confusion.
  • Focus on the 'th' sound: Make sure you’re articulating the "th" sound correctly. It's not like the "t" sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are a few resources:
    • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce antipathy" on Google and you'll find audio pronunciations.
    • Forvo: Forvo is a website where native speakers pronounce words: https://forvo.com/word/antipathy/

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a specific example sentence using the word?

Usage and examples with the word antipathy in English

Let's break down how to use the word "antipathy" effectively in English. It's a powerful word, but it can be tricky because it's not used casually.

1. What Does "Antipathy" Mean?

At its core, "antipathy" describes a strong feeling of dislike or revulsion. However, it's more than just simple dislike. It’s a deeper, often instinctive, aversion. It suggests a feeling rooted in something perceived as morally wrong, unnatural, or fundamentally unpleasant. It’s often accompanied by a sense of emotional repulsion.

2. Key Characteristics of Antipathy:

  • Intense: It’s a very strong feeling.
  • Automatic/Instinctive: It often comes without conscious reasoning. You feel it before you can fully articulate why.
  • Moral Dimension: Frequently, antipathy is directed towards something considered bad, corrupt, or wrong.
  • Not Just Dislike: It’s a step beyond simple dislike. It can border on hatred (though it doesn’t always have to).

3. How to Use "Antipathy" in Sentences:

Here are some examples, showing different ways to incorporate it:

  • "She felt a deep antipathy towards politicians who prioritized personal gain over public service." (Here, it’s directed at a group of people and the values they represent.)

  • "There was an antipathy between the two families stemming from a historical land dispute." (Shows a feeling of aversion between individuals/groups based on a past event.)

  • "He experienced a visceral antipathy for the smell of wet dog." (This highlights the instinctive, almost physical, reaction.)

  • "Despite his charm, she felt an antipathy towards him, based on a subtle but persistent feeling of unease." (Shows that it can be rooted in something intangible or difficult to explain.)

  • "The critic’s antipathy for the composer's style was evident in his scathing review.” (Directed at a specific style or person’s talent.)

4. Synonyms (to help you understand the nuances):

  • Aversion: (A more general term for dislike)
  • Detestation: (Strong dislike, often with a feeling of anger)
  • Abhorrence: (A feeling of repugnance, often linked to something morally wrong)
  • Hatred: (A very strong feeling of dislike)
  • Rejection: (Refusal to accept or acknowledge)

5. Important Notes & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't overuse it: "Antipathy" is a strong word. It’s best used when you genuinely want to convey a deep, almost instinctive aversion. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly dramatic or pretentious.
  • Show, don’t just tell: Rather than simply stating "She felt antipathy," try to show her reaction. "Her jaw clenched, and a coldness settled over her as he spoke.”

6. Resources for further learning:

To help me tailor my explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you thinking of using the word "antipathy"? (e.g., writing a story, academic essay, casual conversation?)
  • What are you trying to describe? (e.g., a feeling towards a person, a concept, an object?)

Synonyms for the word antipathy

Practice with vocabulary antipathy

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. His vocal criticism of the new policy revealed his deep-seated __________ towards any form of bureaucratic inefficiency.
  2. Despite their initial professional relationship, a clear sense of __________ developed between the two rival CEOs over the years.
  3. The project manager emphasized the importance of effective __________ among team members to achieve project goals.
  4. She felt a strong __________ to public speaking, often becoming visibly nervous before presentations.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following emotions signifies a deep-seated feeling of intense dislike or hostility towards someone or something? a) Empathy b) Benevolence c) Antipathy d) Affection

  2. If a government policy evokes widespread antipathy among the public, what is the likely reaction? a) Enthusiastic support b) Strong opposition c) Indifferent acceptance d) General approval

  3. The consultant observed a clear __________ between the two departments, often leading to internal conflicts. Which words could fill the blank appropriately? (Select all that apply) a) synergy b) rapport c) animosity d) antipathy e) concord

  4. Which of these words best describes a state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something? a) Unanimity b) Certainty c) Ambivalence d) Conviction

  5. Choosing a word that means "a feeling of complete and utter disgust or loathing." a) Admiration b) Reverence c) Abhorrence d) Tolerance

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: She had an intense aversion to any form of public deception, finding it morally reprehensible. Rewrite using "antipathy" or a related word form:

  2. Original: The manager's constant criticism of the team fostered a growing sense of resentment and ill-will among the staff. Rewrite using "antipathy" or a related word form:

  3. Original: The committee decided to postpone the critical decision until they had gathered more comprehensive data. Rewrite (do not use "antipathy" or related word forms):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. antipathy
  2. antipathy
  3. collaboration
  4. aversion

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Antipathy
  2. b) Strong opposition
  3. c) Animosity, d) Antipathy
  4. c) Ambivalence
  5. c) Abhorrence

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her strong antipathy towards public deception stemmed from her deeply held moral convictions.
  2. The manager's constant criticism fostered a growing antipathy among the staff towards his leadership.
  3. The critical decision was deferred by the committee pending the collection of more comprehensive data.

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