inimical
Definitions
Tending to obstruct or harm; unfavorable.
有害的，不利的。
Hostile or unfriendly.
敌对的，不友好的。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin inimīcālis, from inimīcus (in- 'not' + amīcus 'friend') + -al. The most transparent of the 'un-friend' words — you can still see in- + amīc-. It means 'enemy-like': either openly hostile, or, more often today, harmful to something's interests.
Root am still carries 14 more wordsUsage Guide
Today the 'harmful' sense dominates and is most common in the formal pattern 'inimical to' — conditions inimical to growth, policies inimical to free speech. The older 'hostile (person)' sense survives but sounds literary.
Example Sentences
- 1.
High inflation is inimical to long-term investment.
- 2.
The new rules are inimical to small businesses.
- 3.
He gave her an inimical stare.
Easily Confused
inimical vs inimitable — these look alike but are unrelated. inimical (in- + amīcus, 'unfriendly/harmful'): inimical to growth. inimitable (in- + imitable, 'cannot be imitated', i.e. unique): her inimitable style. Hostile → inimical; one-of-a-kind → inimitable.