enemy and foe

[Boris Tatarenko]

Hello.

Is there any significant difference between them? I've looked up several dictionaries and they said they're synonyms.

If they're synonyms for you as well what do you think about these words: foeman, adversary, antagonist. Can I say they are synonyms too?
Thanks.

 

[Gillnetter]

Hello.

Is there any significant difference between them? I've looked up several dictionaries and they said they're synonyms.

If they're synonyms for you as well what do you think about these words: foeman, adversary, antagonist. Can I say they are synonyms too?
Thanks.

No, I don't believe so. A foeman is an old term and essential means the same as foe. An adversary could be a friend who is competing against you. A person could be an antagonist without being an enemy.

 

[probus]

Enemy is the usual workaday term. Foe and foeman are literary and perhaps a little archaic. Adversary and antagonist tend to be more personal than enemy. Boxers and lawyers are adversaries in the ring or the courtroom but may be friends outside those arenas. Antagonism is a property of an individual only, while enmity is often collective.