adjective C2 Proficient

belligerent

buh-LIHJ-uh-ruhnt

Belligerent (adjective) means Hostile and aggressive; eager to fight or argue. Example: “He got belligerent as soon as someone questioned his decision.”

adjective

Hostile and aggressive; eager to fight or argue.

"He got belligerent as soon as someone questioned his decision."

"The two drivers exchanged belligerent stares after the near-collision."

Actually engaged in war; warring.

"The treaty required all belligerent nations to lay down arms."

noun

A country or group actively fighting a war.

"Neither belligerent was willing to accept the ceasefire terms."

How to use belligerent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSpoiling for a fight — either literally at war, or just acting hostile and combative in an argument.

Common mistake

Most everyday use is about attitude (a belligerent tone in a meeting), not actual warfare — don’t assume it always means literal combat.

Easily confused with

bellicose →

Common pairings

a belligerent tone belligerent nations grow belligerent

Word forms

more belligerent comparative, belligerents plural, most belligerent superlative

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He got _____ as soon as someone questioned his decision.

Etymology

From Latin belligerans, "waging war," built from bellum ("war") plus a root meaning "to carry on" — the same root family as "belt" has nothing to do with, but "bellicose" definitely does.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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fighter combatant battler scrapper

Antonyms

conciliatory friendly peaceful

Related words

nice friendly quiet champion calm Muslim pacific violent

Rhymes for belligerent

adherent coherent inherent different incoherent indifferent

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Frequently asked questions

What does “belligerent” mean?

The word “belligerent” means hostile and aggressive; eager to fight or argue. In plain terms, spoiling for a fight — either literally at war, or just acting hostile and combative in an argument.

How do you pronounce “belligerent”?

“Belligerent” is pronounced buh-LIHJ-uh-ruhnt (/bəˈlɪd͡ʒ.ɚ.ənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “belligerent” in a sentence?

Here is “belligerent” used in a sentence: “He got belligerent as soon as someone questioned his decision.”

What is the opposite of “belligerent”?

The opposite of “belligerent” — its antonyms — are conciliatory, friendly and peaceful.

What part of speech is “belligerent”?

Depending on how it is used, “belligerent” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “belligerent” come from?

The word “belligerent” comes from Latin. From Latin belligerans, "waging war," built from bellum ("war") plus a root meaning "to carry on" — the same root family as "belt" has nothing to do with, but "bellicose" definitely does.

How many meanings does “belligerent” have?

“Belligerent” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: hostile and aggressive; eager to fight or argue.

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