C1 adjective Formal

belligerent

/bəˈlɪdʒ.ər.ənt/

Describes a person or group that is hostile, aggressive, and ready to fight or argue. In a legal or historical context, it specifically refers to nations or parties officially engaged in a state of war.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The customer became increasingly belligerent when told that the item was non-refundable.

The customer became increasingly aggressive and hostile when told that the item was non-refundable.

2

The government issued a statement condemning the belligerent rhetoric coming from the neighboring state.

The government issued a statement condemning the warlike and aggressive rhetoric coming from the neighboring state.

3

Hey, there's no need to get belligerent; I was just trying to help you out.

Hey, there's no need to get aggressive; I was just trying to help you out.

Word Family

Noun
belligerence
Adverb
belligerently
Adjective
belligerent
Related
belligerent
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Memory Tip

Look at the prefix 'belli-', which comes from the Latin word for war ('bellum'). You see this same root in 'rebellion' and 'antebellum'. Someone belligerent is 'ready for war'.

Quick Quiz

The security guards had to intervene when the fan became _____ after his team lost the game.

Correct!

The correct answer is: belligerent

Examples

1

The customer became increasingly belligerent when told that the item was non-refundable.

everyday

The customer became increasingly aggressive and hostile when told that the item was non-refundable.

2

The government issued a statement condemning the belligerent rhetoric coming from the neighboring state.

formal

The government issued a statement condemning the warlike and aggressive rhetoric coming from the neighboring state.

3

Hey, there's no need to get belligerent; I was just trying to help you out.

informal

Hey, there's no need to get aggressive; I was just trying to help you out.

4

Scholars argue that the belligerent nature of the 19th-century empires made the global conflict inevitable.

academic

Scholars argue that the warlike nature of the 19th-century empires made the global conflict inevitable.

5

Our competitors have adopted a belligerent strategy, aggressively undercutting our prices to drive us out of the market.

business

Our competitors have adopted a hostile strategy, aggressively undercutting our prices to drive us out of the market.

Word Family

Noun
belligerence
Adverb
belligerently
Adjective
belligerent
Related
belligerent

Common Collocations

belligerent attitude A hostile or aggressive mindset
belligerent nations Countries officially at war
belligerent tone A way of speaking that sounds aggressive
belligerent behavior Actions that are confrontational
belligerent stance A confrontational position or policy

Common Phrases

belligerent rights

Rights recognized under international law for those at war

non-belligerent state

A country not taking part in a specific war

act of belligerence

An action that initiates or provokes a fight

Often Confused With

belligerent vs bellicose

Bellicose refers to a general inclination or desire to start wars, while belligerent usually describes someone currently engaged in a conflict or acting aggressively.

📝

Usage Notes

Belligerent is most commonly used to describe individuals who are being difficult and aggressive in social situations. In high-level political or historical writing, it is used more literally to identify those participating in armed conflict.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use it simply to mean 'mean' or 'rude,' but it implies a specific type of loud, active aggression or readiness to fight physically or verbally.

💡

Memory Tip

Look at the prefix 'belli-', which comes from the Latin word for war ('bellum'). You see this same root in 'rebellion' and 'antebellum'. Someone belligerent is 'ready for war'.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'belligerantem', meaning 'waging war', combining 'bellum' (war) and 'gerere' (to wage or carry).

Grammar Patterns

Typically used as an adjective before a noun or after a linking verb. Can be followed by the preposition 'toward' to indicate the target of aggression.
🌍

Cultural Context

In legal international terminology, 'belligerent status' is a formal designation that grants certain rights and responsibilities to a group during a civil war.

Quick Quiz

The security guards had to intervene when the fan became _____ after his team lost the game.

Correct!

The correct answer is: belligerent

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