vihollinen

Vihollinen is a Finnish noun meaning an enemy: a person or group opposed to another in conflict, competition, or hostility. The term is used in everyday language as well as in military, sports, politics, and fiction to designate a foe or adversary. It can refer to individuals, organizations, nations, or abstract antagonistic forces, including fictional villains.

Etymology: The word derives from the Finnish root viha, meaning “hatred,” combined with the suffix -llinen, which conveys the idea of “having the quality of.” The form vihollinen has historical roots in Finnish and remains common in modern usage, reflecting its long-standing role in describing opposition or enmity.

Usage and nuance: Vihollinen typically denotes a clear adversary in a given context, whether concrete (a military opponent) or figurative (a political rival or opposing force in a narrative). In more neutral discourse, other terms such as vastustaja (opponent) or kilpailija (competitor) may be preferred depending on tone. The word often carries strong connotations of hostility and conflict, but its exact meaning is shaped by context.

Grammar and forms: In Finnish, vihollinen declines as a standard noun. Basic forms include nominative singular vihollinen; genitive vihollisen; partitive vihollista; plural nominative viholliset; plural genitive vihollisten; plural partitive vihollisia.

See also: Vastustaja, vastakkainasettelu, vihamies. These terms are related concepts used to describe opponents or antagonistic relationships in Finnish.