Belligerent: meaning, definitions and examples

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belligerent

[bɪˈlɪdʒərənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a conflict

Hostile and aggressive in nature; showing a willingness to fight or engage in conflict.

Synonyms

aggressive, bellicose, combative, hostile, pugnacious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
belligerent	Mostly used to describe someone who is combative or eager to fight. It can refer to people or nations engaged in war or conflict. The countries were in a belligerent state, ready to go to war at any moment His belligerent attitude at the meeting made everyone uncomfortable
hostile	Often used to describe an unfriendly or antagonistic attitude. This can apply to behaviors, environments, or conditions that are threatening or unfriendly. The atmosphere in the room became hostile when the topic was brought up She felt the dog's hostile gaze and decided to leave quickly
aggressive	Commonly used to describe someone who is forceful, competitive, or quick to attack. It doesn't always imply physical violence and can refer to behavior or attitudes. Her aggressive marketing tactics quickly boosted sales He became aggressive when challenged
combative	Best used when describing someone who readily engages in fights or arguments. It suggests a readiness to fight, whether physically or verbally. His combative style in debates made him a controversial figure She was combative during negotiations, never backing down
bellicose	Typically used to describe someone or something that is naturally inclined to start fights or wars. This word has a formal and somewhat literary tone. The politician's bellicose statements worried neighboring countries His bellicose nature often led to unnecessary confrontations
pugnacious	Frequently used to describe someone who is eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight. This term often carries a negative connotation. The pugnacious child was always getting into fights at school His pugnacious personality often alienated his colleagues

Examples of usage

The belligerent nations refused to negotiate.
He adopted a belligerent tone during the argument.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

warfare

A nation or person engaged in warfare or conflict, typically as a member of the armed forces.

Synonyms

combatant, fighter, militant, opponent, warring party.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
belligerent	Used to describe an aggressive or hostile person or nation. This term often carries a negative connotation. The belligerent nation refused to negotiate peacefully His belligerent attitude caused many conflicts at work
combatant	Refers to an individual who actively participates in combat or warfare, typically in a formal or semi-formal military context. The combatant was awarded a medal for bravery after the battle Both sides suffered heavy losses with many combatants injured
fighter	Generally used to describe a person who fights in a physical or metaphorical sense. This term can apply to someone in a boxing ring or someone resisting a difficult situation. He is a seasoned fighter with many championships under his belt Despite her illness, she proved to be a fighter and never gave up
militant	Describes someone who is aggressively supportive of a cause, often involving extreme or violent actions. This term often has a negative connotation. The militant group was responsible for the recent attacks She became increasingly militant in her political views
warring party	Refers to a group or nation engaged in war or conflict. This term is often used in discussions about large-scale conflicts or wars. The peace treaty was eventually signed by both warring parties The warring parties have been in conflict for over a decade
opponent	Used to indicate someone who competes against another in a contest, game, or argument. This term is neutral and can be used in various competitive situations. She is a formidable opponent on the chessboard During the debate, his opponent made several compelling points

Examples of usage

The belligerents clashed on the battlefield.
Both belligerents suffered heavy casualties in the war.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'bellum', meaning war, and 'gerere', meaning to carry on.
It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century, used mainly to describe conflict.
The term evolved from being a simple descriptor of one engaged in war to also encompass a general argumentative attitude.

Psychology

People can become belligerent due to stress, feeling threatened, or experiencing frustration.
Belligerence may be linked to certain personality traits, such as aggression and low tolerance for frustration.
In studies, environments that provoke anger or fear can greatly increase belligerent behavior among individuals.

Pop Culture

The term is often used in movies and shows to describe characters who are aggressive or confrontational.
In some video games, players might take on belligerent roles, embracing conflict as a main game mechanic.
Songs sometimes reference belligerent attitudes, often highlight the struggles or battles in relationships.

History

Throughout history, various nations have been described as belligerent when they engage in aggressive policies or wars.
During World War II, the countries involved were often labeled as either belligerents or neutral.
The League of Nations and later the United Nations have aimed to address and reduce belligerent behaviors between nations.

International Relations

In diplomacy, a belligerent state may refer to one that actively engages in conflict with other nations.
The classification of actions as belligerent can affect international laws and the responses of other countries.
Treaties often aim to curb belligerent tendencies to promote peace and cooperation among nations.

Translations

Translations of the word "belligerent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 beligerante

🇮🇳 युद्धप्रिय

🇩🇪 kriegerisch

🇮🇩 berperang

🇺🇦 войовничий

🇵🇱 wojowniczy

🇯🇵 好戦的

🇫🇷 belligérant

🇪🇸 beligerante

🇹🇷 savaşçı

🇰🇷 호전적인

🇸🇦 محارب

🇨🇿 válečný

🇸🇰 vojnový

🇨🇳 好战的

🇸🇮 bojevit

🇮🇸 stríðsmaður

🇰🇿 соғысуға бейім

🇬🇪 მებრძოლი

🇦🇿 döyüşkən

🇲🇽 beligerante

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,949, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
12946 relentless
12947 provoking
12948 vibrating
12949 belligerent
12950 aching
12951 transcendent
12952 indigent
...