English vocabulary · C2
Belligerent
/bəˈlɪdʒərənt/ · adj., n.
A belligerent person wants to fight or argue with others. Even a small problem can make them treat you like an enemy.
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Example sentences
- Belligerent fans threw cups.
- The chef grew belligerent and yelled.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- belli — war (from Latin)
- ger — carry (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- HOSTILE — showing strong dislike (Against you)
- FIERCE — ready to attack (Strong and wild)
- COMBATIVE — eager to fight (Quick to argue)
Words with the same root
belli — war
- bellicose — ready to fight
Lesson notes
A belligerent person wants to fight or argue with others. Even a small problem can make them treat you like an enemy.
Related: hostile, fierce, combative. Use belligerent when ready to fight.
Belligerent fans threw cups. The chef grew belligerent and yelled.
From Latin. Belli- means war. Ger- means carry. Carry war to a calm meal: that's belligerent.