inimical

UK: ɪˈnɪmɪk(ə)l | US: ɪˈnɪmɪk(ə)l

Definition

  1. adj. harmful or hostile in effect or intention

  2. adj. unfriendly; antagonistic

Structure
in <not>imic <friend>al <adjective suffix>
Etymology

inimical = in<not> + imic<friend> + al<adjective suffix>

  • in- (Latin prefix): Negation, meaning "not."
  • imic (from Latin amicus): Meaning "friend."
  • -al (Latin suffix): Forms adjectives indicating relation or quality.

Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin inimicus ("enemy"), itself formed from in- (not) + amicus (friend). The word evolved through Late Latin and Middle English, retaining its core sense of hostility. The morpheme imic preserves the Latin root amicus, though the spelling shifted slightly in English. The logic is straightforward: "not a friend" → "hostile."

Examples

  1. The chemical is inimical to marine life.

  2. His actions were inimical to the team's unity.

  3. The policy proved inimical to economic growth.

  4. She gave him an inimical glare.

  5. Their relationship grew increasingly inimical over time.