Belligerently Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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belligerently

[bษช'lษชdส’ษ™rษ™ntli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

used in a sentence

In a hostile or aggressive manner.

Synonyms

aggressively, combatively, hostilely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
belligerently

Used to describe someone who is ready to fight or argue in a very aggressive and angry way. Often has a negative connotation.

  • He responded belligerently to the accusation, unwilling to calm down and listen
  • The soldiers marched forward belligerently, prepared for a confrontation
aggressively

Used when someone or something is forceful, energetic, and often confrontational. It doesn't always have a negative meaning, especially in business or competitive situations.

  • She aggressively pursued her goals, leaving no room for failure
  • The sales team is working aggressively to meet their targets
hostilely

Used to describe actions or attitudes that are unfriendly and antagonistic, often with the intent to cause harm or discomfort. This word carries a negative meaning.

  • She looked at him hostilely, clearly upset about the earlier confrontation
  • The audience reacted hostilely to the controversial statement
combatively

Refers to being ready or eager to fight or argue. Often describes someone's attitude in a conflict situation.

  • He combatively defended his ideas during the meeting
  • The debate between the two politicians turned combative quickly

Examples of usage

  • He spoke belligerently, refusing to back down.
  • She stared belligerently at her opponent.
  • The dog growled belligerently at the stranger.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Aggression often stems from feelings of frustration or threat, leading to belligerent behaviors.
  • Studies show that certain environmental factors, like stress or crowding, can increase belligerent tendencies.
  • Conflict resolution training can help reduce belligerent reactions in individuals.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters who act belligerently often represent villains or antagonists, emphasizing conflict.
  • Songs in rock and punk genres often express belligerence as a form of rebellion against societal norms.
  • Famous literature features belligerent characters, portraying their struggles and the impact of aggression on relationships.

Historical Context

  • The term has been used to describe countries engaged in war, especially during the World Wars.
  • Historically, the belligerent nations in conflicts have influenced international relations significantly.
  • Terms like 'belligerent' shape laws of war, defining how nations engage during conflicts.

Literature

  • Several classic novels explore themes of belligerence, reflecting human nature and societal conflict.
  • Poets often use belligerent imagery to convey deep emotions or critiques of war and violence.
  • The portrayal of belligerent characters raises questions about morality and the consequences of aggressive actions.

Origin of 'belligerently'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'belligerare,' which means 'to wage war.'
  • It combines 'bellum,' meaning 'war,' and 'gerere,' meaning 'to carry out,' pointing to a history of conflict.
  • The modern English use dates back to the early 20th century.

The adverb 'belligerently' is derived from the adjective 'belligerent,' which comes from the Latin word 'bellum' meaning 'war' and 'gerere' meaning 'to wage.' The term originally referred to nations engaged in war, but over time, it also came to describe individuals displaying a hostile or aggressive attitude.


See also: belligerence.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,304, 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.