hostility
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hostility
A hostile, rejecting attitude or corresponding behavior toward a person or group. It describes a feeling or atmosphere of hatred, aggression, or strong dislike.
Die Feindseligkeit zwischen den beiden Nachbarn war für alle spürbar.
The hostility between the two neighbors was noticeable to everyone.
hostilities
Concrete hostile actions or armed conflicts between parties, states, or groups. Used almost exclusively in the plural.
Nach dem Scheitern der Verhandlungen begannen die Feindseligkeiten erneut.
After the negotiations failed, hostilities began again.
The word is derived from 'der Feind' (enemy). The ending '-keit' turns the adjective 'feindselig' (hostile) into a noun that describes an attitude or quality.
Trotz des Streits gab es keine offene Feindseligkeit zwischen ihnen.
Despite the argument, there was no open hostility between them.
In the singular, 'die Feindseligkeit' (hostility) describes a rejecting attitude or feeling. In the plural, 'die Feindseligkeiten' (hostilities), it almost always refers to concrete acts of war.
In der Gruppe herrschte eine eisige Feindseligkeit.
There was an icy hostility in the group.
To describe the attitude, the word is often combined with verbs such as 'zeigen' (to show), 'spüren' (to sense/feel), or 'empfinden' (to feel). The preposition 'gegenüber' (+ dative) indicates who the hostility is directed toward.
Er zeigte ganz offen seine Feindseligkeit gegenüber dem neuen Chef.
He openly showed his hostility toward the new boss.
The plural 'die Feindseligkeiten' (hostilities) is mainly used in formal contexts such as news, politics, or history to describe military actions.
Beide Seiten wurden aufgefordert, die Feindseligkeiten sofort einzustellen.
Both sides were urged to cease hostilities immediately.
aggression
Aggression and Feindseligkeit can both describe a hostile manner. However, Aggression emphasizes actively attacking or being directed toward possible harm, while Feindseligkeit can also exist as a rejecting attitude or tense atmosphere without a specific attack. Use Feindseligkeit for the attitude and Aggression for the attack.
Die Feindseligkeit zwischen den Nachbarn war schon an ihren kalten Blicken zu erkennen.
The hostility between the neighbors was already evident in their cold looks.
Die Aggression des Mannes zeigte sich, als er seinen Nachbarn schubste.
The man's aggression became evident when he shoved his neighbor.
