Belligerent: meaning, definitions and examples

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belligerent

 

[ bɪˈlɪdʒərənt ]

Adjective / Noun
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?

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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?

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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.

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

Etymology

The word 'belligerent' originated from the Latin word 'bellum,' meaning war. It was first recorded in English in the mid-16th century. The term has been used to describe individuals, nations, or groups involved in warfare or conflict throughout history. The concept of belligerence has been a central theme in understanding international relations and military strategies.

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.