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Inimical - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Inimical means harmful or hostile, often describing something that opposes or threatens well-being. It can refer to actions, attitudes, or conditions that create damage or conflict.

inimical

/ɪˈnɪmɪkəl/ /ɪˈnɪmɪkəl/

Definition:

Harmful, hostile, or unfriendly in effect or intention.

Synonyms:

hostile, harmful, adverse, antagonistic

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

friendly, beneficial

Common Collocations:

inimical to growth, inimical environment, inimical forces

Derivatives:

inimically, inimicalness

Usage Tips:

Use "inimical" to describe something that opposes or harms, often in a subtle or indirect way.

Common Phrases:

inimical to progress, inimical influence

Etymology:

From Latin "inimicus," meaning "enemy," combining "in-" (not) and "amicus" (friend).

Examples:

  • 1. The harsh weather was inimical to the crops' growth.
  • 2. His actions were clearly inimical to the team's success.
  • 3. Pollution is inimical to marine life in many ways.
  • 4. Their relationship became increasingly inimical over time.

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