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Antagonistic: meaning, definitions and examples

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antagonistic

 

[ænˌtæɡ.əˈnɪs.tɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Showing or feeling opposition or hostility towards someone or something.

Synonyms

adversarial, combative, hostile, opposing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
antagonistic

Often used to describe a relationship or behavior that is actively opposing or unfriendly. It implies continuous conflict and opposition.

  • Their antagonistic relationship made working together difficult.
  • She was openly antagonistic towards the new policy.
hostile

Implies a very strong negative feeling, often involving aggression or unfriendliness. Usually involves a direct threat or enmity.

  • The hostile crowd made the event security’s worst nightmare.
  • Her hostile attitude towards the new team members was concerning.
opposing

Generally used to describe parties or forces that are against each other. It does not necessarily imply hostility but suggests disagreement or differences.

  • The two opposing viewpoints were debated extensively during the meeting.
  • They found themselves on opposing sides of the argument.
adversarial

Commonly used in contexts where opposition involves competition or conflict, especially in legal or formal debates.

  • The adversarial nature of the court system is designed to uncover the truth.
  • Their adversarial relationship sparked fierce competition between departments.
combative

Describes a person or behavior that is ready and willing to fight or argue. It often implies aggressiveness and readiness for confrontation.

  • The combative tone of the debate turned off many viewers.
  • He was known for his combative style of leadership.

Examples of usage

  • He had an antagonistic relationship with his neighbor.
  • The antagonistic comments only fueled the argument further.
  • I could sense the antagonistic atmosphere in the room.
Context #2 | Adjective

biology

Acting in opposition; opposing the effects of something.

Synonyms

contrary, counteractive, opposing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
antagonistic

Used to describe something or someone that is actively hostile or opposed to another.

  • The two political parties have had an antagonistic relationship for years.
  • His antagonistic behavior caused many conflicts at work.
opposing

Used to describe forces, sides, teams, or views that are in conflict or competition with each other.

  • The opposing teams were both very skilled.
  • They have opposing viewpoints on the subject.
counteractive

Used to describe something that works against or reduces the effect of another action or process, often in a neutral or positive way.

  • The medication has a counteractive effect on the virus.
  • Their counteractive measures helped to stabilize the economy.
contrary

Used to describe a person or situation that is opposite in nature, direction, or meaning.

  • She has a very contrary opinion on the matter.
  • Despite the sunny forecast, the weather turned out to be quite contrary.

Examples of usage

  • The antagonistic muscles work against each other to create movement.
  • Antagonistic hormones regulate the body's functions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from the Greek 'antagonistēs', meaning 'opponent' or 'rival', combining 'anti' (against) and 'agon' (struggle).
  • It entered English in the late 16th century, initially describing someone opposed to a rival in a conflict or competition.

Psychology

  • In psychology, antagonistic behavior can manifest in conflict, aggression, or competition, indicating underlying issues like insecurity.
  • Studies suggest that antagonistic traits, such as hostility and irritability, can affect interpersonal relationships and well-being.

Literature

  • Antagonistic characters are often central to stories, serving as the main opposing force against protagonists, enhancing narrative tension.
  • Famous literary antagonists include characters like Voldemort from the 'Harry Potter' series or Iago from 'Othello', representing complex opposition.

Pop Culture

  • In superhero movies, the antagonistic role is often filled by villains who challenge the hero, such as the Joker in 'Batman'.
  • Competitions in reality shows often highlight antagonistic relationships among contestants, adding drama and excitement to the narrative.

Translations

Translations of the word "antagonistic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 antagônico

🇮🇳 विरोधी

🇩🇪 antagonistisch

🇮🇩 antagonis

🇺🇦 антагоністичний

🇵🇱 antagonistyczny

🇯🇵 対抗的な

🇫🇷 antagoniste

🇪🇸 antagonista

🇹🇷 antagonist

🇰🇷 적대적인

🇸🇦 معادٍ

🇨🇿 antagonistický

🇸🇰 antagonistický

🇨🇳 对立的

🇸🇮 antagonističen

🇮🇸 andstæðingur

🇰🇿 антагонистік

🇬🇪 ანტაგონისტური

🇦🇿 antagonist

🇲🇽 antagonista

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,600, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.