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Belligerent - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Belligerent describes someone who is hostile, aggressive, or eager to fight, either physically or verbally. It can also refer to nations engaged in war or conflict.

belligerent

/bəˈlɪdʒərənt/ /bɪˈlɪdʒərənt/

Definition:

Hostile, aggressive, or eager to fight.

Synonyms:

Aggressive, combative, hostile, confrontational, warlike

Part of Speech:

adjective, noun

Antonyms:

Peaceful, friendly, cooperative

Common Collocations:

Belligerent attitude, belligerent behavior, belligerent nation

Derivatives:

Belligerence, belligerently

Usage Tips:

Use "belligerent" to describe someone or something showing aggression or hostility.

Common Phrases:

Belligerent stance, belligerent tone, act of belligerence

Etymology:

From Latin "belligerant-," meaning "waging war," from "bellum" (war) and "gerere" (to wage).

Examples:

  • 1. The protesters became belligerent when the police arrived.
  • 2. His belligerent tone made the negotiation tense.
  • 3. The country adopted a belligerent stance toward its neighbors.
  • 4. She regretted her belligerent outburst during the meeting.

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