Understanding Words for Strong Dislike

The question asks for a word that best describes a "strong dislike between two persons". Let's look at the options provided and see which one fits this definition most accurately.

Analysing the Options for Strong Dislike

• Aversion: This word means a strong dislike or disinclination towards something or someone. It often implies a desire to avoid the object of dislike. While it means strong dislike, it doesn't inherently specify it's "between two persons" in a mutual or reciprocal sense, though it can be used in that context.
• Antipathy: This word means a deep-seated feeling of dislike; aversion. It often refers to a strong, ingrained feeling, and is frequently used to describe a mutual feeling of dislike or opposition between people or groups. This fits the description "strong dislike between two persons" very well, suggesting a significant, possibly mutual, feeling of dislike.
• Apathy: This word means lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. It is the opposite of having a strong feeling like dislike. Therefore, it does not fit the definition at all.
• Despite: As a noun, 'despite' can mean malice or ill will, but this usage is archaic or literary and not the most common or direct word for the feeling of strong dislike itself, especially not specifically "between two persons". Its primary use is as a preposition meaning "in spite of".

Comparing the options, Antipathy is the most precise word to describe a strong, often deep-seated and sometimes mutual, feeling of dislike that exists between two persons.