Definition
Belligerent means hostile, aggressive, and ready to fight or argue. It refers to someone who is actively engaged in a conflict or contentious situation.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
Hostile, aggressive, combative, contentious, quarrelsome, pugnacious, truculent, bellicose
Antonyms
Friendly, peaceful, cooperative, conciliatory, pacific, amicable
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | belligerent, belligerence, belligerents, belligerences, belligerency, belligerencies |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | belligerent |
| Adverb | belligerently |
Example Sentences
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The belligerent tone of his voice indicated that he was spoiling for a fight.
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The team’s belligerent attitude towards their opponents was not appreciated by the referee.
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She became increasingly belligerent as the argument progressed, making it difficult to reach a compromise.
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The belligerent customer started yelling and causing a scene in the store.
Usage
The word belligerent comes from the Latin “bellum” which means “war”. It is often used to describe someone who is hostile and ready to fight or argue. Belligerent behavior can be exhibited in a variety of contexts, such as interpersonal conflicts, political disputes, or military engagements. It is an adjective that implies an active and aggressive stance towards a perceived opponent.
The term belligerent can also be used to describe a country or military force that is actively engaged in a conflict. In this context, it refers to a country that is at war or a military force that is actively fighting in a conflict. It can also refer to a country or military force that is preparing for war, such as by stockpiling weapons or mobilizing troops.
Some synonyms of belligerent include “hostile”, “aggressive”, “combative”, “contentious”, “quarrelsome”, “pugnacious”, and “truculent”. These words all describe someone who is ready to fight or argue. Antonyms of belligerent include “friendly”, “peaceful”, “cooperative”, “conciliatory”, “pacific”, and “amicable”, which describe a more positive and conciliatory attitude.
The word belligerent is often used in news and media reports to describe conflicts and disputes between individuals, groups, or countries. It is also commonly used in legal contexts to describe a party to a lawsuit or dispute. It is important to use the word with care, as it carries a negative connotation and can be interpreted as aggressive or confrontational.
In conclusion, the adjective belligerent describes a person or group that is hostile and ready to fight or argue. It can be used to describe a wide range of contexts, from interpersonal conflicts to military engagements. It is important to use the word with care, as it carries a negative connotation and can be interpreted as confrontational.