belligerent
What does "belligerent" mean?
Belligerent describes someone who is hostile, aggressive, and ready to start a fight or a conflict. The mental image is of someone with their fists clenched, looking for a reason to escalate a disagreement into a physical or verbal confrontation. This word is often used in formal contexts to describe people, nations, or groups that are actively engaged in war or behaving in a combative manner. While "aggressive" is a general trait, "belligerent" implies an active desire to engage in hostility or challenge others.
"belligerent" in conversation
Office conflict
Why is Mark being so belligerent in the meeting today?
Why is Mark being so belligerent in the meeting today?
He’s just frustrated because his project got delayed again.
He’s just frustrated because his project got delayed again.
Used to describe a person's combative attitude during a discussion.
News report
The two nations remain in a belligerent standoff over the border.
The two nations remain in a belligerent standoff over the border.
It is unlikely they will reach a peaceful resolution this week.
It is unlikely they will reach a peaceful resolution this week.
Used to describe the state of warring parties.
"belligerent" in a sentence
The belligerent man started shouting at the waiter for no reason.
The belligerent man started shouting at the waiter for no reason.
Her belligerent tone made it impossible to reach a compromise during the negotiations.
Her belligerent tone made it impossible to reach a compromise during the negotiations.
The diplomat warned that such belligerent rhetoric could escalate into an international crisis.
The diplomat warned that such belligerent rhetoric could escalate into an international crisis.
