antagonistic
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 5He was quite antagonistic toward his roommate about the shared living space.
He was quite antagonistic toward his roommate about the shared living space.
The witness maintained an antagonistic stance throughout the entire cross-examination.
The witness maintained an antagonistic stance throughout the entire cross-examination.
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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
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
He was quite antagonistic toward his roommate about the shared living space.
everydayHe was quite antagonistic toward his roommate about the shared living space.
The witness maintained an antagonistic stance throughout the entire cross-examination.
formalThe witness maintained an antagonistic stance throughout the entire cross-examination.
I don't get why he's always so antagonistic every time I suggest a new idea.
informalI don't get why he's always so antagonistic every time I suggest a new idea.
In biochemistry, certain drugs have an antagonistic effect, blocking the action of other substances.
academicIn biochemistry, certain drugs have an antagonistic effect, blocking the action of other substances.
The negotiations were hindered by the antagonistic relationship between the two CEOs.
businessThe negotiations were hindered by the antagonistic relationship between the two CEOs.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
mutually antagonistic
mutually antagonistic
antagonistic towards
antagonistic towards
highly antagonistic
highly antagonistic
Often Confused With
Agonizing refers to great mental or physical pain, while antagonistic refers to hostility or opposition.
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
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 Vocabulary
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