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Palinkasocsi Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
unfriendly vs. not friendly
Dear all,
Can anyone tell me the difference (in meaning, reference, etc.) between:
1. John is not friendly.
2. John is unfriendly.
Many thanks.
P.
Can anyone tell me the difference (in meaning, reference, etc.) between:
1. John is not friendly.
2. John is unfriendly.
Many thanks.
P.
Top answer
The meaning is the same, and they could be used synonymously. #1 would more often refer to a specific instance, a passing mood, while #2 would more often refer to a personality trait.
- The meaning is the same, and they could be used synonymously.
- #1 would more often refer to a specific instance, a passing mood, while #2 would more often refer to a personality trait.
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9 Answers
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The meaning is the same, and they could be used synonymously. #1 would more often refer to a specific instance, a passing mood, while #2 would more often refer to a personality trait.
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The meaning is the same, and they could be used synonymously. #1 would more often refer to a specific instance, a passing mood, while #2 would more often refer to a personality trait.
.
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Somehow I attach hostile only with the 2nd.
Not sure how others would read it in that respect.
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un·friendly
: not friendly: a : not showing or marked by the disposition or attitude of one that is or wishes to be a friend <an unfriendly action for him to take after years of close association>
b : not well
Not sure how others would read it in that respect.
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un·friendly
: not friendly: a : not showing or marked by the disposition or attitude of one that is or wishes to be a friend <an unfriendly action for him to take after years of close association>
b : not well
00
How about this one:
The first is passive. He is not friendly, he does not display a friendly attitude. It describes the passive absence of a positive attribute.
The second is active. He is unfriendly, he is hostile and acts in an unfriendly manner, as opposed to merely refraining from acting in a friendly manner.
P.
The first is passive. He is not friendly, he does not display a friendly attitude. It describes the passive absence of a positive attribute.
The second is active. He is unfriendly, he is hostile and acts in an unfriendly manner, as opposed to merely refraining from acting in a friendly manner.
P.
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I kind of agree, but it's important to see how others go about it ...
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PalinkasocsiHow about this one:
The first is passive. He is not friendly, he does not display a friendly attitude. It describes the passive absence of a positive attribute.
The second is active. He is unfriendly, he is hostile and acts in an unfriendly manner, as opposed to merely refraining from acting in a friendly manner.
P.
00
PalinkasocsiHow about this one:
The first is passive. He is not friendly, he does not display a friendly attitude. It describes the passive absence of a positive attribute.
The second is active. He is unfriendly, he is hostile and acts in an unfriendly manner, as opposed to merely refraining from acting in a friendly manner.
P.
00
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