Aggressiveness: meaning, definitions and examples

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aggressiveness

[əˌɡrɛsɪvˈnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

behavior

The quality of being aggressive; readiness or disposition to attack or confront.

Synonyms

belligerence, combativeness, hostility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aggressiveness	Emphasizes a proactive and dynamic attitude, often used in sports, business, and personal ambition. It can have a positive connotation in these fields. His aggressiveness on the basketball court made him a formidable opponent The company's aggressiveness in the market led to significant growth
hostility	Describes a deep-seated and often overt antagonism, typically carrying a strong negative connotation. Commonly used in interpersonal relations and international affairs. The manager's hostility towards the staff caused low morale Hostility between the neighboring countries remains a barrier to peace
belligerence	Often refers to a state of hostility or eagerness to fight, generally in a negative or formal context. Used in situations of conflict or war. The belligerence between the two countries made peace negotiations difficult His belligerence in meetings created a toxic work environment
combativeness	Indicates a readiness to fight or argue, highlighting a confrontational nature. Can be used both in personal disputes and competitive situations. Her combativeness during debates made her a strong, though sometimes unapproachable, leader The team's combativeness on the field ensured their victory

Examples of usage

She was taken aback by the aggressiveness of his tone.
His aggressiveness on the field earned him a reputation as a fierce competitor.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

personality trait

The tendency to be overly forceful or pushy in achieving one's goals.

Synonyms

assertiveness, determination, drive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aggressiveness	Typically used in situations where someone is overly forceful, hostile, or combative. Has a negative connotation. His aggressiveness in meetings often makes others uncomfortable The team's aggressiveness on the field led to several penalties
assertiveness	Used when someone confidently and reasonably states their opinions or desires without being aggressive or passive. Neutral or positive connotation. Her assertiveness in negotiations secured a better deal for the company Learning assertiveness can help you express your needs clearly
determination	Refers to someone who shows strong resolve and commitment to achieving their goals, often in the face of difficulty. Positive connotation. His determination to overcome obstacles inspired everyone She showed great determination in finishing the marathon
drive	Describes someone who has a strong motivation and energy to pursue goals or achieve success. Positive connotation. Her drive to succeed in her career is remarkable The company values employees with strong drive and ambition

Examples of usage

Her aggressiveness in negotiations often led to successful deals.
His aggressiveness in pursuing his career sometimes alienated his colleagues.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'aggressus,' meaning 'to approach' or 'to attack,' showing its roots in action.
In English, 'aggression' appeared in the early 20th century, related to the development of psychology and behavior studies.

Psychology

Aggressiveness is often studied in psychology to understand how it connects to personality traits like extroversion or dominance.
Research shows that aggressiveness in children can relate to their social environment and family dynamics.

Animal Behavior

In the animal kingdom, aggressiveness is common in species competing for territory or mates, playing a vital role in survival.
Certain animals exhibit aggressive behaviors during mating seasons, signaling their strength to potential partners.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures have varying views on aggressiveness; some see it positively as assertiveness, while others perceive it negatively as hostility.
In certain sports, aggressiveness can be viewed as a competitive edge, while in personal interactions, it may lead to conflicts.

Conflict Resolution

Aggressiveness often arises in conflicts, but learning to communicate effectively can help resolve differences without aggression.
In negotiation, being too aggressive may reduce chances of reaching a peaceful agreement, emphasizing the importance of balance.

Translations

Translations of the word "aggressiveness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agressividade

🇮🇳 आक्रामकता

🇩🇪 Aggressivität

🇮🇩 agresivitas

🇺🇦 агресивність

🇵🇱 agresywność

🇯🇵 攻撃性 (こうげきせい)

🇫🇷 agressivité

🇪🇸 agresividad

🇹🇷 saldırganlık

🇰🇷 공격성 (gong-gyeogseong)

🇸🇦 عدوانية

🇨🇿 agresivita

🇸🇰 agresivita

🇨🇳 攻击性 (gōngjī xìng)

🇸🇮 agresivnost

🇮🇸 árásargirni

🇰🇿 агрессивтілік

🇬🇪 აგრესიულობა

🇦🇿 aqressivlik

🇲🇽 agresividad

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,393, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
18390 ugliness
18391 implacable
18392 shorn
18393 aggressiveness
18394 cantilever
18395 swampy
18396 groundless
...