Enmity and hatred are two negative feelings that describe the feelings of intense dislike and hostility. Although enmity and hatred refer to similar states or feelings, there is a distinct difference between the two. The key difference between enmity and hatred is the fact that enmity is often mutual whereas hatred can be mutual or one-sided. The term hatred implies an intense feeling of dislike and resentment towards a person, but the term enmity refers to the hatred, hostility, anger and resentment two people or two parties have towards each other.
What Does Enmity Mean?
Enmity can be described as a state or feeling of active opposition or hostility. Enmity often involves two parties. For example, A feels deep-seated hatred and hostility towards B, and B feels the same towards A. Thus, A and B can be considered as enemies. The situation between Montagues and Capulets in Romeo and Juliet can be termed as enmity. The term enmity connotes several negative feelings such as anger, vindictiveness, and the desire to destroy what one hates.
Observe how this noun has been used in the following sentences.
He agreed that they need to put aside old family feuds and enmities for the sake of the peace.
There’s a long history of enmity between the two men.
The enmity between India and Pakistan escalated with this incident.
The enmity between the two families started in the late eighteenth century.
What Does Hatred Mean?
Hatred refers to an intense feeling of dislike. Hatred is the exact opposite of love. This feeling is often associated with negative feelings such as anger and violence. Hatred can originate from feelings such as dislike, jealousy, revulsion or ignorance. However, hatred may not be as intense as enmity. In addition, hatred doesn’t have to be a mutual feeling. For example, A might hate B, but B may not have any ill feeling or hostility towards A. Observe how this noun has been used in the following sentences.
The villagers have an irrational fear and hatred of foreigners.
His blind hatred towards his brother made him irrational.
I was shocked by the look of pure hatred on her face.
He made clear that racial hatred will not be tolerated any longer.
What is the difference between Enmity and Hatred?
Definition:
Enmity: Enmity state or feeling of active opposition or hostility.
Hatred: Hatred is an intense feeling of dislike.
Parties Involved:
Enmity: Enmity is often mutual.
Enmity: Hatred can be one sided.
Intensity:
Enmity: Enmity is more hostile and intense than hatred.
Hatred: Hatred is not as intense as enmity.
Image Courtesy:
“Couple yelling at each other” Vic (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr