Belligerent
/bəˈlɪdʒərənt/
adjectiveIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
Showing or feeling hostility; aggressive.
/bəˈlɪdʒərənt/
adjectivenegativeIntermediate
General
Hostile and aggressive
The belligerent customer demanded a refund.
💡 Simply: Someone who is angry and ready to fight.
More Examples
2
Her belligerent tone frightened the children.
How It's Used
International Relations
"The two nations engaged in belligerent actions, escalating the conflict."
Everyday Life
"His belligerent attitude made it difficult to have a civil conversation."
From Latin *bellīgērens*, present participle of *bellīgērere* "to wage war", from *bellum* "war" + *gerere* "to wage, carry on".
The word has been used in the context of warfare since its Latin origins, but its use in describing general hostility has increased over time.
Memory tip
Think 'bell' (loud and noisy) and 'gerent' (like 'agent' - acting). A belligerent person makes a loud, aggressive acting.
Practice
beliggerentbeligerantbeligerent
Usage
15%Spoken
85%Written