Word of the Day : July 3, 2021

inimical \ih-NIM-ih-kul\ adjective

Definition

1 : being adverse often by reason of hostility or malevolence

2 a : having the disposition of an enemy : hostile

b : reflecting or indicating hostility : unfriendly

Did You Know?

In inimical, one finds both a friend and an enemy. The word descends from Latin inimicus, which combines amicus, meaning "friend," with the negative prefix in-, meaning "not." In current English, inimical rarely describes a person, however. Instead, it is generally used to describe forces, concepts, or situations that are in some way harmful or hostile. For example, high inflation may be called "inimical" to economic growth. Inimicus is also an ancestor of enemy, whereas amicus gave English the much more congenial amicable (meaning "friendly" or "peaceful") and amiable (meaning "agreeable" or "friendly").

Aired July 3, 2021

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