French word

ennemi

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛnəmi/

Meaning

  • masculine nounenemy

Example

Maintenant, il est mon ennemi.

Now he is my enemy.

Illustration for ennemi (enemy)

More examples

Depuis notre dispute, il est devenu mon ennemi juré.

Since our argument, he has become my sworn enemy.

Core concept

A person on the opposing side who shows hostility and can cause harm.

Common phrases

  • ennemi juré

    sworn enemy

  • ennemi public

    public enemy

  • ennemi mortel

    mortal enemy

Similar words

adversaire: A party opposed in a struggle, dispute, or sporting contest.
opposant: A political or debate opponent who argues against a position.
rival: Someone competing with others for the same objective.
concurrent: A business competitor targeting the same market or customers.

Definition in French

Personne qui manifeste de l'hostilité et qui peut nuire ou attaquer.

Word origin

The French noun ennemi developed from Old French enemi, inherited from Latin inimicus, 'enemy' or literally 'not a friend'.

Usage tips

  • Ennemi is stronger than adversaire, which usually means an opponent rather than a hostile enemy, so the choice affects the tone.

Other meanings

  • adversarynoun
  • archenemynoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word