pugnacious — eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight; combative
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight; combative
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpʌɡneɪʃəs/
Example Sentences
- My pugnacious cat picks fights with dogs three times his size.
- The pugnacious politician turned every interview into a heated debate.
- Even at 80, grandpa remained pugnacious about his cooking skills.
pugnacious
ADJECTIVE[/ˈpʌɡneɪʃəs/]
eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight; combative
a red-faced student with clenched fists leans forward aggressively toward another student who is simply trying to eat lunch. The aggressive student points angrily and opens his mouth in a shouting gesture over something trivial like spilled milk. The peaceful student looks surprised and defensive, raising his hands to calm the situation. Other students around the lunch tables stop eating and turn to watch the brewing conflict with concerned expressions. someone being eager to argue and fight over minor issues
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'pugnax' meaning 'fond of fighting,' which comes from 'pugnus' meaning 'fist.' The word literally describes someone who likes to fight with their fists.
Breakdown
pugn- (fist/fight) + -acious (inclined to, full of)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My pugnacious cat picks fights with dogs three times his size.”
“The pugnacious politician turned every interview into a heated debate.”
“Even at 80, grandpa remained pugnacious about his cooking skills.”
“Her pugnacious response to criticism surprised everyone in the meeting.”
📚Related Words
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