Animus

Animus has two very differing definitions that link back to the word's Latin origin. In one sense, animus has a negative connotation and means ill will or open hostility. For example, "Spartan animus towards anything non-Spartan is reknowned." The word, however, can become confusing when when used in it other sense which mean disposition or motivation: "Alexander's animus to conquer the world is reknowned." The original Latin means "motivation or intellect." How it came to mean ill-will is reflected in the word animosity.