belligerence — aggressive or warlike behavior; readiness to fight
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: aggressive or warlike behavior; readiness to fight
Pronunciation (IPA): /bəˈlɪdʒərəns/
Example Sentences
- The customer's belligerence over a 50-cent charge made the entire coffee shop go silent.
- The country's belligerence toward its neighbors has led to increased military tensions.
- His belligerence during team meetings was so intense that people started bringing snacks to watch the drama unfold.
belligerence
NOUN[/bəˈlɪdʒərəns/]
aggressive or warlike behavior; readiness to fight
The angry man’s fist-slamming and shouting showed clear belligerence toward the baker.
BELLI(war) + GERENT(waging) — his desire to start a war revealed his dangerous belligerence.
When the landlord asked for the late rent, the tenant’s sudden belligerence turned a simple request into a confrontation.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin 'bellum' (war) and 'gerere' (to carry on, to conduct), literally meaning 'the state of carrying on war'. The term evolved to denote a hostile or aggressive attitude and readiness for conflict.
Breakdown
bellum (war) + gerere (to carry on, conduct) + -ence (state or condition), forming the sense of 'the state of waging war' or 'warlike disposition'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The customer's belligerence over a 50-cent charge made the entire coffee shop go silent.”
“The country's belligerence toward its neighbors has led to increased military tensions.”
“His belligerence during team meetings was so intense that people started bringing snacks to watch the drama unfold.”
“The union's belligerence during negotiations resulted in a prolonged strike.”
📚Related Words
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