foe

UK: fəʊ | US: foʊ

Definition

  1. n. an enemy or opponent

Structure

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Etymology

"Foe" originates from Old English fāh (hostile) and gefā (enemy), derived from Proto-Germanic faihaz (hatred). It shares roots with Old Norse fjándi (devil, enemy) and Gothic fijands (enemy). The word has retained its core meaning of "adversary" for over a millennium, contrasting with "friend." Its simplicity reflects its ancient Germanic origins, where short, potent words often denoted fundamental concepts like conflict or opposition.

Examples

  1. In the debate, she proved a formidable foe.

  2. The two nations, once allies, became bitter foes.

  3. He viewed procrastination as his greatest foe.

  4. The hero faced his final foe in the epic battle.

  5. Nature can be both a friend and a foe to humanity.