Which word means hatred or active hostility toward someone or something?

Which word means hatred or active hostility toward someone or something?

• A. Hatred
• B. Enmity
• C. Amity
• D. Rancor

Answer: (B)

Enmity captures the idea of active, ongoing hostility or mutual antagonism between people or groups. It signals a sustained feud or conflict, not just a momentary feeling. That makes it the best fit for “hatred or active hostility toward someone or something,” because the hostility is directed and persistent. Hatred describes a strong feeling, but enmity emphasizes the sustained adversarial relationship. Amity is the opposite—friendship. Rancor refers to lingering bitterness, which can fuel hostility but doesn’t by itself denote an active, ongoing foe relationship.

Enmity captures the idea of active, ongoing hostility or mutual antagonism between people or groups. It signals a sustained feud or conflict, not just a momentary feeling. That makes it the best fit for “hatred or active hostility toward someone or something,” because the hostility is directed and persistent. Hatred describes a strong feeling, but enmity emphasizes the sustained adversarial relationship. Amity is the opposite—friendship. Rancor refers to lingering bitterness, which can fuel hostility but doesn’t by itself denote an active, ongoing foe relationship.