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

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