adjective / noun
belligerent
buh-LIJ-er-unt/bəˈlɪdʒərənt/
Engaged in or inclined toward conflict.
The belligerent participant leans forward and argues aggressively during the meeting.
Etymology
The roots express carrying on war. Originally describing someone actually engaged in hostilities, belligerent also describes a hostile manner that suggests readiness to fight.
In context
he's supposed to instead of being argumentative and belligerent he's supposed to be gentle and meek
More examples
- The treaty requires both belligerents to withdraw their forces.
- His tone becomes increasingly belligerent.
- Neutral observers meet representatives of the belligerent nations.
Forms
belligerent · belligerents