Pugnacious: meaning, definitions and examples
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pugnacious
[ pสษกหneษชสษs ]
aggressive behavior
inclined to quarrel or fight readily; combative; belligerent
Synonyms
aggressive, belligerent, combative, quarrelsome.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
pugnacious |
Use this word when describing someone who is always eager to fight or argue. It often has a slightly negative connotation, implying that the person looks for conflict unnecessarily.
|
combative |
Describes someone who fights or argues a lot, but not necessarily without reason. It can be used in both negative and positive contexts.
|
aggressive |
This word is used in situations where someone is forceful or ready to attack, either physically or verbally. It can also describe behavior that is assertive or energetic in a positive sense, depending on context.
|
belligerent |
Best used when talking about someone who is hostile and ready to fight. It often describes someone who acts aggressively and is looking for a confrontation. This word typically has a negative connotation.
|
quarrelsome |
Use this word when someone frequently argues or picks fights over trivial matters. It has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- His pugnacious attitude often got him into trouble at school.
- The boxer's pugnacious demeanor intimidated his opponents.
disposition or nature
having a quarrelsome or combative nature; aggressive
Synonyms
argumentative, bellicose, contentious, hostile.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
pugnacious |
Used to describe someone who is eager to fight or argue, often having an aggressive demeanor.
|
argumentative |
Describes a person who tends to argue or debate about various topics, often enjoying the act of contention even when it's unnecessary.
|
hostile |
Describes someone or something exhibiting overt antagonism, unfriendliness, or opposition. Not necessarily used to describe physical aggression.
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contentious |
Used to describe someone or something that is likely to cause an argument or controversy. Can apply to situations, topics, or individuals.
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bellicose |
Implies a natural inclination towards aggression or combativeness, often used to describe nations or groups rather than individuals. Has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The pugnacious dog barked at anyone who approached the fence.
- His pugnacious personality made it difficult for him to maintain friendships.
Translations
Translations of the word "pugnacious" in other languages:
๐ต๐น beligerante
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฒเคกเคผเคพเคเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช streitsรผchtig
๐ฎ๐ฉ agresif
๐บ๐ฆ ะทะฐะดะธัะปะธะฒะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ wojowniczy
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใ่ ฐใฎ
๐ซ๐ท belliqueux
๐ช๐ธ belicoso
๐น๐ท kavgacฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ์ธ์ฐ๊ธฐ ์ข์ํ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุดุงูุณ
๐จ๐ฟ bojovnรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ bojovnรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ๅฅฝๆ็
๐ธ๐ฎ prepiren
๐ฎ๐ธ bardagagjarn
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะถะฐััะฝะณะตั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแ แซแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ dรถyรผลkษn
๐ฒ๐ฝ belicoso
Etymology
The word 'pugnacious' originates from the Latin word 'pugnare', meaning 'to fight'. It first appeared in English in the mid-17th century. The term has been used to describe individuals or animals with a strong inclination towards fighting or conflict. Over time, 'pugnacious' has become a common adjective in describing aggressive or combative behavior.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #28,507, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 28504 crowbar
- 28505 outperformed
- 28506 dispelling
- 28507 pugnacious
- 28508 jeering
- 28509 codfish
- 28510 foreshadow
- ...