Pugnacity: meaning, definitions and examples

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pugnacity

 

[ pʌɡˈnæsəti ]

Context #1

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

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.