antipático

Antipático is an adjective used in Spanish and Portuguese to describe a person or behavior that is unfriendly, disagreeable, or likely to arouse aversion. The feminine form is antipática in both languages (antipático/antipática; antipáticos/antipáticas as the plurals). In general, the term can refer to a person's demeanor, tone of voice, or actions that are off-putting or lacking warmth.

Etymology and related forms: antipático derives from the prefix anti- meaning against, combined with pathos or similar roots related to feeling, giving a sense of being against one’s feelings or temperament. The corresponding noun in both languages is antipatía (antipatía in Spanish, antipatia in Portuguese), meaning aversion or antipathy. Related terms include simpatía (likability or sympathy) and asimilations such as desagrado or desagradable for milder or stronger senses of unpleasantness.

Usage and nuance: In everyday speech, antipático most often describes people or social interactions, as in "Es una persona antipática" or " Fue un comentario antipático." It can also describe modes of behavior or situations that feel inhospitable or off-putting. The word carries a neutral-to-negative connotation and is stronger than simply "no amable" in many contexts, though tone and intent influence its perceptual strength.

Antonyms and related expressions: The primary antonym is simpático/a (friendly, likable). Other nearby terms include agradable, amable, and cordial. The noun antipatía or antipatia denotes a feeling of aversion or hostility between people, rather than a temporary judgment of a momentary behavior.

See also: simpatía, antipatía.