inimicus

Inimicus is a Latin term that functions as both an adjective and a noun. The masculine noun is inimicus, the feminine inimica, and the neuter inimicum. It means "enemy" or "foe" and can denote a personal rival, a political opponent, or a solemn adversary in war. Etymologically it is formed from in- "not" plus amicus "friend", literally "not a friend". In classical usage it is often distinguished from hostis, which frequently denotes a public or ceremonial enemy.

In Latin literature, inimicus appears across prose and verse to describe opponents, rivals, or adversaries within families, politics, or legal disputes. It can convey intimate enmity as well as broad opposition, with phrases such as inimicus meus ("my enemy"). The plural inimici denotes multiple foes. The feminine inimica is used when the foe is female or when the noun is treated as feminine.

In modern English, inimicus survives as the root for the adjective inimical, meaning harmful or hostile. The form inimicality or inimically appears in academic or literary usage. The term also survives in Romance languages in cognate forms: Italian inimico, Portuguese inimigo (though with a distinct evolution), and others that trace back to Latin.

As a scholarly term, inimicus is primarily encountered in Latin dictionaries and classical studies. It is occasionally used in contemporary writing to evoke antiquity or to discuss classical concepts of personal enmity, politics, or law, without adopting any specific modern referent.