enemies
Enemies are people or groups who do not like each other and often try to hurt or stop one another.
Explanation at your level:
An enemy is a person who is not your friend. They might want to fight you. You do not like them.
When two people are enemies, they are against each other. For example, in a game, the other team is your enemy.
The word enemies describes people or groups who have a conflict. It is stronger than just 'someone I don't know.' It implies active opposition.
Enemies are often defined by their opposing goals. In politics or business, you might have competitors who act like enemies because they want to win the same prize.
The term suggests a state of enmity. It is frequently used in literary or historical contexts to describe deep-seated rivalries that have persisted over long periods.
Etymologically derived from the Latin 'inimicus', the concept of enemies transcends mere dislike. It represents a fundamental existential threat or a structural opposition in social or geopolitical systems.
Palavra em 30 segundos
- Plural noun meaning hostile people.
- Derived from 'not a friend'.
- Stronger than rival or opponent.
- Used in war, sports, and politics.
When we talk about enemies, we are describing a relationship defined by conflict. It is not just someone you dislike; it is someone you are actively working against.
You might find enemies in history books, like opposing armies, or in movies, where a hero faces a villain. The word carries a strong sense of opposition and hostility.
The word enemies comes from the Old French word enemi. If you trace it back even further, it comes from the Latin inimicus.
The Latin root is actually a combination of in- (meaning 'not') and amicus (meaning 'friend'). So, literally, an enemy is simply a non-friend! It is fascinating how languages evolve to turn a simple lack of friendship into a word for a serious opponent.
We use enemies in both serious and lighthearted ways. In a formal context, countries might be described as sworn enemies during a diplomatic crisis.
In a casual context, friends might joke about being enemies for a day if they are playing a competitive board game. Always consider the tone before using this word, as it can sound quite heavy.
1. To make an enemy of someone: To cause someone to become hostile toward you.
2. An enemy of the state: A person considered dangerous to the government.
3. Enemy at the gates: A phrase describing an immediate, external threat.
4. Public enemy number one: The person most hated or wanted by society.
5. Keep your enemies closer: A famous piece of advice suggesting you should watch your opponents carefully.
The word enemies is the plural form of enemy. Notice how the 'y' changes to 'ies'—a classic English spelling rule for nouns ending in a consonant plus 'y'.
Pronunciation-wise, it is stressed on the first syllable: EN-i-meez. It rhymes with words like ten-ease or pen-ease (though these aren't common words!).
Fun Fact
It is a direct negation of the Latin 'amicus'.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear E-nuh-meez.
Short, sharp EN-uh-meez.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'my' as 'my' (like 'my house') instead of 'mee'.
- Missing the 'z' sound at the end.
- Stressing the second syllable.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to use
Easy to say
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avançado
Grammar to Know
Pluralization of nouns ending in Y
enemy -> enemies
Subject-Verb Agreement
They are enemies
Countable Nouns
many enemies
Examples by Level
They are enemies.
They are not friends.
Plural noun.
He has many enemies.
Many people dislike him.
Quantifier usage.
We are not enemies.
We are friendly.
Negative form.
The enemies fought.
They had a battle.
Past tense verb.
Stop being my enemy.
Please be nice.
Imperative.
Are they enemies?
Are they fighting?
Question form.
The enemies left.
They went away.
Subject-verb agreement.
I have no enemies.
Everyone likes me.
Negative quantifier.
The two countries became enemies.
He treated his enemies with respect.
They were enemies for many years.
Don't make enemies at work.
The heroes defeated their enemies.
The enemies signed a peace treaty.
He saw his enemies in the distance.
We are not enemies, we are colleagues.
The two companies are bitter enemies in the market.
It is easy to make enemies but hard to make friends.
The enemies of the revolution were arrested.
She refused to see him as an enemy.
The two brothers were enemies for a decade.
They were forced to work with their enemies.
The king feared his enemies within the court.
He had many enemies because of his opinions.
The two nations have been sworn enemies for centuries.
He managed to turn his enemies into allies.
The book explores the psychology of enemies.
They were united by a common enemy.
He was surrounded by enemies on all sides.
The politician was attacked by his political enemies.
It is a story about the reconciliation of former enemies.
She learned to survive among her enemies.
The geopolitical landscape was defined by the rivalry between two implacable enemies.
He was perceived as an enemy of progress by the conservative faction.
The protagonist had to confront his internal enemies before facing the external ones.
The treaty effectively ended the state of war between the two enemies.
They were caught in a web of deceit spun by their enemies.
The rhetoric used by the leader served to dehumanize their enemies.
It is a classic tale of two enemies forced to rely on each other.
The history of the region is a chronicle of shifting alliances between ancient enemies.
The dialectic between the two factions rendered them perpetual enemies.
He was cast as the quintessential enemy of the state in the regime's propaganda.
The reconciliation of such entrenched enemies seemed like an impossible feat.
Their enmity was so profound that they were considered enemies for generations.
The narrative arc traces the transformation of the characters from enemies to confidants.
He navigated the treacherous waters of court politics, where friends often masqueraded as enemies.
The existential dread of facing such powerful enemies paralyzed the community.
The scholarly work analyzes the sociological construct of the 'enemy' in modern society.
Colocações comuns
Idioms & Expressions
"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer"
Watch your opponents carefully.
He always kept his enemies closer.
casual"Public enemy number one"
The most hated person.
He was public enemy number one.
casual"Enemy of the state"
A threat to the government.
He was branded an enemy of the state.
formal"Make an enemy of"
To cause someone to hate you.
Don't make an enemy of him.
neutral"An enemy within"
A traitor.
They feared the enemy within.
formal"To be your own worst enemy"
To cause your own problems.
You are your own worst enemy.
neutralEasily Confused
Both involve competition.
Rivals compete for a prize; enemies want to harm.
Sports rivals vs war enemies.
Both are against you.
Opponents are usually in a game.
Chess opponent.
Both are 'bad'.
Villain is a character type.
Movie villain.
Both are not friends.
Strangers are unknown; enemies are known.
I don't know the stranger.
Sentence Patterns
They are enemies.
They are enemies.
He made enemies of...
He made enemies of his neighbors.
To be enemies with...
I don't want to be enemies with you.
The enemies of [group]...
The enemies of the state fled.
Former enemies...
Former enemies shook hands.
Família de palavras
Nouns
Adjectives
Relacionado
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Erros comuns
Y changes to IES.
Singular subject.
Enemy implies a relationship.
Nouns vs abstract.
No article for general.
Tips
Plural Rule
Always change -y to -ies.
Don't Overuse
Use 'rival' for sports.
Latin Roots
It means 'not a friend'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
EN-E-MIES: Everyone Needs Extra Mates, I Expect... NOT!
Visual Association
Two people standing back to back with crossed arms.
Word Web
Desafio
Write a sentence using 'sworn enemies'.
Origem da palavra
Old French / Latin
Original meaning: Not a friend
Contexto cultural
Can be inflammatory in political contexts.
Often used in political discourse and sports.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
War
- enemy lines
- enemy fire
- engage the enemy
Politics
- political enemies
- enemy of the people
Sports
- our greatest enemy
- facing the enemy
Personal
- make enemies
- be your own enemy
Conversation Starters
"Do you think it is possible to be friends with your enemies?"
"Who is the most famous enemy in literature?"
"How do you handle people who act like enemies?"
"Can a country have no enemies?"
"Is it better to have enemies or no one at all?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you had a 'rival' and how it felt.
Is it possible for enemies to become friends? Why?
Describe a fictional character who had many enemies.
What are the qualities that make someone an enemy?
Perguntas frequentes
8 perguntasNot exactly; a rival competes, an enemy opposes.
Yes, but it is a strong word.
Change the y to ies.
Yes, it is very serious.
Friend or ally.
Yes, often in war.
No, it is a noun.
Someone you have promised to oppose.
Teste-se
They are not friends, they are ___.
Context of not friends.
What is the plural of enemy?
Y to IES rule.
An enemy is always a stranger.
Enemies can be people you know well.
Word
Significado
Synonyms.
Correct syntax.
Pontuação: /5
Summary
Enemies are people who are actively opposed to you, and it is a word that should be used with care.
- Plural noun meaning hostile people.
- Derived from 'not a friend'.
- Stronger than rival or opponent.
- Used in war, sports, and politics.
Plural Rule
Always change -y to -ies.
Don't Overuse
Use 'rival' for sports.
Latin Roots
It means 'not a friend'.
