What is hostile? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of hostile

hostileadjective

/ˈhɒstʌɪl/
Definition & pronunciation of hostile

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "hostile." Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: The word is divided into two syllables:

  • hos - like the beginning of "horse"
  • tile - like "tile" (the material for floors)

2. Sounds:

  • "hos": This part sounds like "hos" as in "host." The 'h' is silent.
  • "tile": This part has a "t" sound. It's similar to how you pronounce “tile” in English.

3. Putting it Together:

Say it slowly: hos-tile

4. Full Word: hos-tile

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don’t stress the first syllable too much. It's a fairly even rhythm.
  • Focus on the "t" sound in the second syllable.

Resources to help you hear it:

  • Google Search: Just type "how to pronounce hostile" into Google and you'll find audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/hostile/ (This website allows you to hear how native speakers pronounce words in different accents.)

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat "hostile" and you can try to mimic the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word?

Usage and examples with the word hostile in English

Let's break down how to use the word "hostile" effectively in English. It's a powerful word with several nuanced meanings!

1. Core Meaning: Unfriendly, Opposing, or Antagonistic

At its most basic, "hostile" describes someone or something that is unfriendly, opposing, or actively antagonistic. Think of it as the opposite of friendly or welcoming.

  • Example: "The customer service representative was incredibly hostile and unhelpful." (Meaning: unfriendly and unwilling to assist)
  • Example: “The political debate quickly became hostile, with both sides attacking each other’s policies.” (Meaning: antagonistic and filled with opposition)

2. Specific Contexts & Shades of Meaning:

Here's where "hostile" gets more interesting. It can be used in different ways depending on what it’s describing:

  • People:
    • Hostile attitude/behavior: This describes a generally negative, aggressive, or defiant approach. “He had a hostile attitude towards anyone who disagreed with him.”
    • Hostile towards someone: This means actively unfriendly or antagonistic towards a specific person. "She was hostile towards her ex-husband."
  • Environment/Situation:
    • Hostile environment: This refers to a situation or place that is challenging, dangerous, or unwelcoming. "The jungle was a hostile environment for a lost hiker." (Could be physical danger, social pressure, etc.)
    • Hostile atmosphere: Similar to a hostile environment, but often refers to a more intangible feeling of tension and negativity. “The meeting had a hostile atmosphere due to the ongoing dispute.”
  • Objects/Systems (less common, but possible):
    • Sometimes “hostile” can be used to describe a system that is actively resistant to change or interference. (Think of military defenses – designed to be hostile to invaders).

3. Common Phrases & Idioms:

  • Hostile takeover: (Business) – An attempt to gain control of a company by force or undue influence.
  • Hostile bidding: (Business) – A bidding process where competitors intentionally offer higher prices to drive up the cost for a target company.
  • To be in a hostile mood: – To be feeling irritable, angry, or unfriendly.

4. Synonyms:

  • Unfriendly
  • Antagonistic
  • Opposing
  • Aggressive
  • Rude
  • Ungenial
  • Belligerent (implies a willingness to fight)
  • Malevolent (implies ill will)

5. How to Choose the Right Word:

  • Intensity: "Hostile" is a strong word. Consider if a milder word like “unfriendly” or “disagreeable” might be more appropriate.
  • Specificity: Be clear about what is hostile. Is it a person’s attitude, a place, or a situation?

Example Sentences Demonstrating Different Usages:

  • "The airport security guard’s hostile questioning made me feel nervous." (Person)
  • “The witness described the forest as a hostile place to navigate alone.” (Environment)
  • “The company faced a hostile takeover attempt from a rival firm.” (Business)
  • "After a long day, he was in a hostile mood and refused to listen to anyone." (State of mind)

Resources for Further Exploration:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a story, an email, an essay?)
  • Can you provide a specific sentence where you're considering using "hostile"?

Synonyms for the word hostile

Practice with vocabulary hostile

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company's proposal was met with a ______ reaction from environmental groups, who argued it would severely damage local ecosystems.
  2. Despite the team's best efforts, the project faced several ______ obstacles that caused significant delays.
  3. The new trade policies have created a more ______ economic climate, making it difficult for small businesses to compete.
  4. After the controversial announcement, the CEO found himself in a ______ environment during the press conference, facing sharp questions from reporters.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms could describe a person who is openly unfriendly and aggressive towards others? a) Benevolent b) Amiable c) Hostile d) Antagonistic e) Gregarious

  2. The negotiation process became particularly challenging due to the CEO's _________ stance on key issues, refusing any compromise. a) conciliatory b) unyielding c) compliant d) amenable e) adamant

  3. Select words that accurately describe an environment that is unwelcoming and dangerous for human settlement. a) Conducive b) Hostile c) Nurturing d) Adverse e) Hospitable

  4. The consultant's presentation contained several _________ remarks that stirred strong disagreement among the board members. a) innocuous b) incendiary c) soothing d) provocative e) benign

  5. The research team encountered a _________ reception from the local community, which viewed their presence with suspicion. a) cordial b) warm c) frosty d) amicable e) unwelcoming

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The conditions in the remote wilderness were very challenging for the expedition team's survival. (Rewrite using a form of "hostile")

  2. The two rival companies have been in continuous opposition to each other for years. (Rewrite using a form of "hostile")

  3. The manager had a very strong disagreement with the board's decision to cut staff. (Rewrite without using "hostile" or its forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company's proposal was met with a hostile reaction from environmental groups, who argued it would severely damage local ecosystems.
  2. Despite the team's best efforts, the project faced several challenging obstacles that caused significant delays.
  3. The new trade policies have created a more adverse economic climate, making it difficult for small businesses to compete.
  4. After the controversial announcement, the CEO found himself in a hostile environment during the press conference, facing sharp questions from reporters.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Hostile, d) Antagonistic
  2. b) unyielding, e) adamant
  3. b) Hostile, d) Adverse
  4. b) incendiary, d) provocative
  5. c) frosty, e) unwelcoming

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The hostile conditions in the remote wilderness severely tested the expedition team's survival.
  2. The two rival companies have maintained a hostile relationship for years.
  3. The manager disagreed strongly with the board's decision to cut staff.

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