Words / B1

EN-uh-mee/ˈenəmi/

An enemy opposes you: an enemy of; public enemy. Opponent is for sport and debate; rival is for competition. Ally is a common opposite. Time is the enemy is an idiom. Do not call a classmate an enemy in a serious essay. Misinformation as an enemy of a fair election.

Meaning

A person or country that opposes you; also something that harms a goal (time is the enemy).

Examples

• “Misinformation is an enemy of a fair election.”
• “They shook hands with opponents, not enemies, after the debate.”

Good to know

an enemy of; make an enemy of. Sport/debate: opponent. Opposite: ally. Idiom: time is the enemy. Stronger than rival. Not a mild critic.

Near in meaning

opponent

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