foe
word
/ˈfoʊ/
/fˈəʊ/
Definition
A foe is an enemy or opponent, someone who is against you or competes with you.
Usage & Nuances
'Foe' is formal and literary, less common in casual speech. Often used in stories, history, or to sound dramatic. Common collocations: 'friend or foe', 'worthy foe', 'ancient foe'. Can refer to people, groups, or even abstract things (e.g. 'a foe of disease').
Spanish: enemigoPortuguese (BR): inimigoPortuguese (PT): inimigoChinese (Simplified): 敌人Chinese (Traditional): 敵人Hindi: शत्रु - दुश्मनArabic: عدوBengali: শত্রু - প্রতিদ্বন্দ্বীRussian: враг - противникJapanese: 敵（てき）Vietnamese: kẻ thù - đối thủKorean: 적 - 적수Turkish: düşman - rakipUrdu: دشمنIndonesian: musuh - lawan
Example Sentences
Is he a friend or a foe?
natural
They joined forces to defeat a common foe.
natural
He fought bravely against his foe.
basic
Sometimes your biggest foe is yourself.
basic
The king had many foes.
basic
Don't underestimate your foe—he's smarter than he looks.
natural