aggressive

The word “aggressive” means ready or likely to attack or confront; hostile. In plain terms, hostile and attacking, or (in a more neutral sense) forceful and bold.

“Aggressive” is pronounced uh-GREHS-ihv (/əˈɡɹɛs.ɪv/ in IPA).

Here is “aggressive” used in a sentence: “The dog became aggressive when strangers approached.”

The opposite of “aggressive” — its antonyms — is passive.

“Aggressive” is an adjective.

The word “aggressive” comes from Latin. From "aggress" (from Latin aggredior, "to attack") + the adjective-forming suffix "-ive.".

“Aggressive” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Aggressive” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: ready or likely to attack or confront; hostile.

Aggressive means ready or likely to attack or confront, and often carries a hostile, forceful edge that can override others. Assertive means confidently standing up for yourself or your views while still respecting others. The key difference is that assertiveness expresses needs firmly but fairly, whereas aggression pushes past or against other people.

Not always. In one sense it means hostile and ready to attack, which is negative, but in another it means bold, forceful, and determined in pursuing a goal, which can be positive. Phrases like "an aggressive marketing campaign" or "an aggressive growth target" use this approving sense of energetic and driven.

Aggressive describes a readiness or tendency to attack, confront, or push forward forcefully, and it can be shown through words, tone, or behaviour without physical harm. Violent specifically involves actual physical force intended to hurt or damage. Someone can be aggressive in an argument without being violent.