C1 verb Neutral

antagonistic

/ænˌtæɡ.əˈnɪs.tɪk/

Showing or feeling active opposition or hostility towards someone or something. It describes a state of conflict, competition, or mutual resistance between people, groups, or biological forces.

Examples

3 of 5
1

He was quite antagonistic toward his roommate about the shared living space.

He was quite antagonistic toward his roommate about the shared living space.

2

The witness maintained an antagonistic stance throughout the entire cross-examination.

The witness maintained an antagonistic stance throughout the entire cross-examination.

3

I don't get why he's always so antagonistic every time I suggest a new idea.

I don't get why he's always so antagonistic every time I suggest a new idea.

Word Family

Noun
antagonism
Verb
antagonize
Adverb
antagonistically
Adjective
antagonistic
Related
antagonist
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Memory Tip

Think of the 'antagonist' in a story. The antagonist is the villain who works against the hero; therefore, an 'antagonistic' person behaves like a villain toward you.

Quick Quiz

The two political parties have maintained an __________ relationship, making it difficult to pass any new legislation.

Correct!

The correct answer is: antagonistic

Examples

1

He was quite antagonistic toward his roommate about the shared living space.

everyday

He was quite antagonistic toward his roommate about the shared living space.

2

The witness maintained an antagonistic stance throughout the entire cross-examination.

formal

The witness maintained an antagonistic stance throughout the entire cross-examination.

3

I don't get why he's always so antagonistic every time I suggest a new idea.

informal

I don't get why he's always so antagonistic every time I suggest a new idea.

4

In biochemistry, certain drugs have an antagonistic effect, blocking the action of other substances.

academic

In biochemistry, certain drugs have an antagonistic effect, blocking the action of other substances.

5

The negotiations were hindered by the antagonistic relationship between the two CEOs.

business

The negotiations were hindered by the antagonistic relationship between the two CEOs.

Word Family

Noun
antagonism
Verb
antagonize
Adverb
antagonistically
Adjective
antagonistic
Related
antagonist

Common Collocations

antagonistic relationship antagonistic relationship
antagonistic attitude antagonistic attitude
antagonistic behavior antagonistic behavior
antagonistic forces antagonistic forces
openly antagonistic openly antagonistic

Common Phrases

mutually antagonistic

mutually antagonistic

antagonistic towards

antagonistic towards

highly antagonistic

highly antagonistic

Often Confused With

antagonistic vs agonizing

Agonizing refers to great mental or physical pain, while antagonistic refers to hostility or opposition.

antagonistic vs apathetic

Apathetic means showing no interest or concern, whereas antagonistic means showing active resistance.

📝

Usage Notes

The word is frequently used to describe both social interactions and scientific phenomena (like muscles or drugs that work against each other). It is more formal than 'angry' or 'mean'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'antagonistic' as a verb; remember that the verb form is 'antagonize'. Also, ensure you use the preposition 'toward' or 'to' when describing the target of the hostility.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'antagonist' in a story. The antagonist is the villain who works against the hero; therefore, an 'antagonistic' person behaves like a villain toward you.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek 'antagōnizesthai', meaning 'to struggle against', from 'anti-' (against) and 'agōnizesthai' (to contend for a prize).

Grammar Patterns

Typically used as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., antagonistic environment). Followed by the preposition 'toward' or 'to' when referring to a person.
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Cultural Context

In Western literature and drama, the concept of the 'antagonist' is central to plot conflict, which shapes the usage of this adjective.

Quick Quiz

The two political parties have maintained an __________ relationship, making it difficult to pass any new legislation.

Correct!

The correct answer is: antagonistic

Related Words

bluster

C1

Bluster refers to loud, aggressive, or indignant talk that carries little sting or power and is often intended to intimidate. It suggests a noisy way of speaking that lacks substance or the actual ability to carry out threats.

bogus

C1

Describes something that is not genuine, counterfeit, or intentionally fraudulent. It is often used in academic and legal contexts to refer to claims, documents, or entities that have been fabricated to deceive others.

boisterous

C1

Describes someone or something that is noisy, energetic, and cheerful, often in a way that is slightly out of control. It is frequently used for groups of people, activities, or natural forces like wind and waves.

bombard

C1

To attack or subject someone or something to a continuous flow of objects, questions, or information. In academic and scientific contexts, it specifically refers to directing a stream of particles or radiation at a substance to induce a reaction.

adverse

C1

Adverse describes conditions, effects, or events that are harmful, unfavorable, or contrary to one's interests or success. It is most commonly used in formal, technical, or medical contexts to indicate that something is working against a desired outcome.

bombastic

C1

Describing speech, writing, or behavior that is high-sounding and inflated but with little actual meaning or substance. It is typically used to criticize someone for being pretentious and trying to sound more important or knowledgeable than they truly are.

bondage

C1

Bondage refers to the state of being under the control of another person or system, characterized by a lack of freedom or involuntary servitude. In an academic context, it encompasses legal, social, and economic structures, such as slavery or debt peonage, that restrict an individual's autonomy.

boon

C1

A boon is a timely benefit or blessing that is extremely helpful in a particular situation. It refers to something that makes life easier or provides a significant advantage when most needed.

boorish

C1

Describes behavior that is rough, unrefined, and ill-mannered, typically lacking sensitivity or social grace. It suggests a lack of education or cultural sophistication in social interactions.

bootstrap

C1

To start or develop a process or business using minimal external resources, often relying on existing internal assets or self-funding. In computing and statistics, it refers to a self-starting process that executes without external input or a technique for estimation through resampling.

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