Bellicosity: meaning, definitions and examples

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bellicosity

[bəˌlɪˈkɒsɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in conflict

Bellicosity is a predisposition to engage in war or conflict. It is characterized by aggressive behavior and a readiness to fight.

Synonyms

aggressiveness, belligerence, hostility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bellicosity	This word is used for a strong inclination towards conflict or war-like behavior. It often describes a person's or group's readiness to start a confrontation. The leader's bellicosity towards neighboring countries caused widespread concern. Her bellicosity was evident in every heated argument she engaged in.
aggressiveness	This term describes a general tendency to act in a forceful or hostile way. It can be applied to people, animals, or even actions that are assertively forward or confrontational. His aggressiveness on the football field is what made him a standout player. The dog's aggressiveness towards strangers raised alarm bells.
belligerence	Belligerence refers to an aggressive or warlike attitude, typically used in situations involving conflict between parties. It often carries a negative connotation, implying unnecessary or harmful aggression. The belligerence of the opposing factions led to the breakdown of peace talks. Her belligerence in the meeting made it hard to reach any consensus.
hostility	Hostility encompasses a strong feeling of opposition or animosity. It is often used to describe interpersonal or international relationships that are strained or unfriendly. The decades-long hostility between the two nations finally eased with the new treaty. She could sense the hostility in his voice whenever they spoke about the issue.

Examples of usage

His bellicosity often led to unnecessary confrontations.
The country's bellicosity towards its neighbors caused tension in the region.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

personality trait

Bellicosity can also refer to a personality trait marked by a combative nature and a tendency to provoke or engage in arguments.

Synonyms

contentiousness, pugnacity, quarrelsomeness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bellicosity	Used to describe a person's or group's inclination towards war or aggressive conflict. Often in formal or academic discussions about political or social behavior. The leader's bellicosity worried neighboring countries. His speech revealed a dangerous level of bellicosity.
pugnacity	Refers to a person’s natural disposition to fight or argue, often used in a more descriptive or personal context. May imply a combative or aggressive manner. His pugnacity often got him into trouble at school. She admired his pugnacity in standing up for his beliefs.
quarrelsomeness	Describes a habit of getting into arguments or fights over unimportant issues; often seen as a negative trait that disrupts harmony in social situations. His quarrelsomeness made family gatherings very tense. Her quarrelsomeness alienated many of her friends.
contentiousness	Highlights a tendency to argue or provoke disputes, usually in legal, social, or political contexts. It can also describe a general atmosphere of disagreement. The meeting was marked by an air of contentiousness. Her contentiousness made it difficult for team members to work with her.

Examples of usage

His bellicosity made it difficult to have civil discussions with him.
She was known for her bellicosity and quick temper.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'bellum', which means 'war'.
It was first used in English during the late 19th century, reflecting growing interest in military conflicts.
Bellicosity incorporates the suffix '-osity', indicating a quality or state, like a person full of hostile traits.

Psychology

People showing high levels of bellicosity may have underlying insecurities or past traumas.
This tendency can be linked to the idea of territorial behavior in both animals and humans.
Studies suggest that environments that encourage aggression can increase bellicosity in individuals.

Pop Culture

Bellicosity is often portrayed in action movies, where characters engage in constant fighting and rivalry.
Some video games reward aggressive play styles, reinforcing the idea of bellicosity as a desirable trait for success.
Literature often explores characters' bellicosity to highlight themes of conflict and morality.

History

Bellicosity has played a significant role in shaping historical events, including wars and revolutions.
Certain nations have been labeled as having a bellicose foreign policy, often leading to increased tensions with others.
Historical leaders known for their bellicosity often left lasting impacts on their countries and the world.

Literature

Classic novels often feature characters whose bellicosity leads to their downfall, emphasizing the dangers of aggression.
In poetry, bellicosity might symbolize the inner turmoil or societal conflicts experienced by characters.
Modern authors use bellicosity to critique societal norms that celebrate aggression over diplomacy.

Translations

Translations of the word "bellicosity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 belicosidade

🇮🇳 युद्धप्रियता

🇩🇪 Kriegsführungswille

🇮🇩 kebeligeran

🇺🇦 войовничість

🇵🇱 wojowniczość

🇯🇵 戦闘性

🇫🇷 belligérance

🇪🇸 belicosidad

🇹🇷 savaşçılık

🇰🇷 호전성

🇸🇦 ميل للحرب

🇨🇿 bojovnost

🇸🇰 bojovnosť

🇨🇳 好战性

🇸🇮 bojevitost

🇮🇸 stríðslyndi

🇰🇿 соғысқұмарлық

🇬🇪 ომისადმი მიდრეკილება

🇦🇿 döyüşkənlik

🇲🇽 belicosidad

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,607, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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38604 enchilada
38605 bevelling
38606 finessed
38607 bellicosity
38608 belaboured
38609 prevaricated
38610 cloyed
...