# hostage vs hostile

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### hostage
*noun · IPA /ˈhɒs.tɪd͡ʒ/ · frequency rank #8,301*
A person given as a pledge or security for the performance of the conditions of a treaty or similar agreement, such as to ensure the status of a vassal.

### hostile
*adjective · IPA /ˈhɒstaɪl/ · frequency rank #6,365*
Not friendly; appropriate to an enemy; showing the disposition of an enemy; showing ill will and malevolence or a desire to thwart and injure.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-09-03.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hostage-vs-hostile