Antagonistic - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Antagonistic means showing opposition or hostility toward someone or something. It describes behavior that is confrontational, unfriendly, or deliberately combative in nature.
Definition:
Showing opposition or hostility; actively resisting or opposing something.
Synonyms:
hostile, adversarial, combative, oppositional
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
friendly, cooperative
Common Collocations:
antagonistic behavior, antagonistic relationship, antagonistic attitude
Derivatives:
antagonist, antagonism, antagonize
Usage Tips:
Use "antagonistic" to describe someone or something showing active resistance or hostility toward another.
Common Phrases:
antagonistic toward, play the antagonist, antagonistic stance
Etymology:
From Greek "antagonistes," meaning opponent or rival; derived from "anti-" (against) and "agonizesthai" (to contend).
Examples:
- 1. The two politicians had an antagonistic debate last night.
- 2. Her antagonistic tone made the conversation uncomfortable for everyone.
- 3. The coach’s antagonistic attitude demoralized the team players.
- 4. Some animals become antagonistic when threatened by predators.