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Pugnacity: meaning, definitions and examples

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pugnacity

 

[ pʌɡˈnæsəti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

aggressive behavior

Pugnacity refers to a combative and aggressive nature, often displayed through readiness to fight or argue. It is the quality of being eager or quick to engage in a fight or quarrel, showing a willingness to confront or challenge others.

Synonyms

aggressiveness, belligerence, combativeness

Examples of usage

  • She was known for her pugnacity and never backed down from a confrontation.
  • His pugnacity often led to conflicts with his peers.
Context #2 | Noun

disposition to fight

Pugnacity can also refer to a disposition or inclination to engage in physical or verbal fights. It is the tendency to be confrontational or argumentative, showing a readiness to defend oneself or to initiate conflict.

Synonyms

contentiousness, hostility, quarrelsomeness

Examples of usage

  • His pugnacity often got him into trouble with others.
  • The boxer's pugnacity was evident in the way he approached every match.

Translations

Translations of the word "pugnacity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 belicosidade

🇮🇳 लड़ाकूपन

🇩🇪 Kampflust

🇮🇩 keberanian

🇺🇦 войовничість

🇵🇱 bojowość

🇯🇵 闘争心

🇫🇷 pugnacité

🇪🇸 belicosidad

🇹🇷 kavgacılık

🇰🇷 호전성

🇸🇦 عدوانية

🇨🇿 bojovnost

🇸🇰 bojovnosť

🇨🇳 好斗性

🇸🇮 bojevitost

🇮🇸 bardagakæti

🇰🇿 жауынгерлік

🇬🇪 მებრძოლობა

🇦🇿 döyüşkənlik

🇲🇽 belicosidad

Word origin

The word 'pugnacity' has its roots in the Latin word 'pugnacitas,' derived from 'pugnare' meaning 'to fight.' It has been used in English since the mid-19th century to describe the aggressive or combative nature of individuals. The concept of pugnacity has been studied in psychology and behavioral sciences to understand human aggression and conflict resolution.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,021 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.