hostility or ill feeling crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're grappling with the clue "hostility or ill feeling," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of potential answers, sorted by length, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "hostility or ill feeling crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
RANCOR: Deep-seated bitterness or resentment, often from a past wrong.
ENMITY: The state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.
7 Letters
ILLWILL: Unfriendly or hostile feelings towards another person.
8 Letters
ACRIMONY: Bitterness or ill feeling, often associated with disputes or arguments.
9 Letters
ANIMOSITY: Strong hostility or hatred, especially when long-standing.
10 Letters
BITTERNESS: Resentment or ill feeling, often caused by a sense of unfair treatment.
More About "hostility or ill feeling crossword clue"
The clue "hostility or ill feeling" points towards words that describe a state of negative emotional disposition or antagonism. These terms often represent a spectrum, from mild displeasure to intense hatred. In crosswords, such clues are common and test your vocabulary related to human emotions and social dynamics.
When encountering such a clue, consider the nuances of the synonyms. Words like 'rancor' or 'animosity' suggest a deep-seated and often enduring negative sentiment, while 'ill will' might imply a more general unfriendliness. The specific context of the puzzle, including any crossing letters, will guide you to the most accurate answer.
Understanding the etymology of these words can sometimes provide an edge, though often it's about recognizing common synonyms used in various contexts. Crossword constructors love these types of clues because they allow for multiple plausible answers, requiring solvers to use their broader knowledge to pinpoint the correct one.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Word Lengths: Always check the number of letters required. This is your primary filter for potential answers.
- Consider Nuances: For clues about emotions like "hostility or ill feeling," think about the intensity or duration of the feeling. 'Spite' is different from 'enmity'.
- Use Crossing Letters: Don't try to guess the entire word from the clue alone. Fill in any crossing letters you have first; they are often the key to unlocking challenging answers.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: If a direct synonym doesn't come to mind, sometimes thinking of the opposite can help you circle back to a related word that fits.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I quickly find synonyms for crossword clues like 'hostility or ill feeling'?
To quickly find synonyms for emotional or abstract clues, consider using a thesaurus, looking up related words, or thinking about different intensities of the emotion. Crossword dictionaries often group words by concept rather than just letter patterns.
What's the difference between 'animosity' and 'rancor' in crossword puzzles?
'Animosity' generally refers to a strong feeling of dislike or opposition, while 'rancor' implies a deep-seated, often long-lasting and bitter ill-will. Both fit 'hostility or ill feeling', but the specific nuance might be hinted at by other crossing letters or the puzzle's theme.
Why do crosswords often use abstract nouns like 'hostility' as clues?
Abstract nouns are common in crosswords because they have many synonyms and can evoke a wide range of related concepts, allowing constructors flexibility. They test a solver's vocabulary depth and ability to think broadly about word meanings.