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Dictionaryaggressive
adjective

aggressive

Ready to attack, confront, or pursue a goal forcefully.

The aggressive dog lunges at anyone who approaches the gate.

Etymology
agLatintoward
+gressLatinstep or walk
+iveEnglishtending to

Latin ad- and gradi express stepping toward something. Approaching an opponent can become attacking, connecting forward movement with the readiness to confront or pursue a goal forcefully.

More examples

  • The company adopted an aggressive plan to win new customers.
  • Her aggressive questioning made the witness uncomfortable.
  • The team played an aggressive game from the opening whistle.

Forms

aggression noun — Forceful or hostile behavior toward others.

aggressively adverb — In a forceful, confrontational, or attacking way.

Similar words

assertive
Suggests confident self-expression without necessarily threatening or attacking others.
hostile
Emphasizes antagonism rather than energetic pursuit of a goal.