English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
Login Flashcards
adjective C2 Proficient

belligerent

buh-LIHJ-uh-ruhnt
Quiz me More like this

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

adjective
1
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."
2
Actually engaged in war; warring.
"The treaty required all belligerent nations to lay down arms."
noun
1
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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like belligerent.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Plural
belligerents
Comparative
more belligerent
Superlative
most belligerent
Test yourself on “belligerent” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

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

View more →
fighter combatant battler scrapper aggressive warring militant

Antonyms

conciliatory friendly peaceful

Related words

nice friendly quiet champion calm Muslim pacific violent

Rhymes for belligerent

adherent coherent inherent different incoherent indifferent
See all rhymes for belligerent →

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.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include belligerent:

C2 vocabulary words

People also searched

nice friendly quiet champion calm Muslim pacific violent