The spelling of the phrase "common enemies" can be broken down into its phonetic transcription: /ˈkɒmən ˈɛnəmiz/. The first syllable, "com," is pronounced with a short "o" sound followed by a soft "m" sound. The second syllable, "mon," is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by a hard "n." The final syllable, "enies," is pronounced with a soft "e" sound followed by a hard "n" and a long "ē" sound. Together, the phrase describes adversaries shared by multiple individuals or groups.
Common enemies refer to adversaries or opponents that are shared or mutually identified by two or more parties. These entities are characterized by the fact that they are generally viewed unfavorably or pose a threat to all involved parties, leading them to unite or collaborate in order to confront or counteract the mutual threat. This notion is often applied in various contexts, including political alliances, military coalitions, or even personal relationships where individuals come together to combat a common foe.
The idea of common enemies is deeply rooted in human history, as it signifies the recognition of a shared danger that can transcend differences or conflicts between parties. By rallying against a mutual adversary, common enemies facilitate the formation of temporary or long-term partnerships, with the ultimate goal of achieving a collective advantage or safeguarding common interests.
Common enemies can take various forms, such as hostile nations, extremist groups, or non-human threats like a natural disaster or an infectious disease. They serve as a catalyst for cooperation, encouraging divergent groups to set aside their differences and work towards a common objective. The concept of common enemies highlights the notion that the strength of unity can overcome individual shortcomings or animosities, thereby enabling collective efforts to overcome adversity.
The word "common" can be traced back to the Latin word "communis", meaning "shared" or "general". The word "enemy" originated from the Latin word "inimīcus", which can be broken down into "in-" meaning "not" or "opposite", and "amīcus", meaning "friend". So, "enemy" essentially means "not a friend" or "opposite of a friend". When these two words are combined, "common enemies" refers to adversaries or opposition that are shared or general, indicating the presence of one or more adversaries who are not considered friends by a group of individuals.