belligerence

USAGE SUMMARY

"belligerence" is a perfectly acceptable word in written English.
It is an adjective which means "aggressiveness or hostile attitude." You can use it to describe a particular attitude or behaviour. For example, "John was filled with belligerence as he addressed the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The fat-batted belligerence that would become his calling card in the 2000s, once he returned to the national side, was still a distant dream.

The Guardian - Sport

The violence was partly fuelled by aggressive police tactics and by the belligerence of Nicolas Sarkozy, then Minister of the Interior, who declared "zero tolerance" and said that he would clean the streets of racaille (scum).

The Guardian

"Bloody scuffle" abandons the idea of a worthwhile cause or a heroic fight, and the poem seems to end with the pointless continuation of belligerence for its own sake.

The Guardian - Books

They have entrenched a siege economy, silenced criticism of Putin and encouraged his chauvinist belligerence.

The Guardian - Opinion

But if it will not or cannot respond to Iraqi belligerence, its divisions should not stop others in this case America with as broad support as possible from doing so.

The Economist

But it risks injecting unnecessary belligerence into the discussion, and it obscures critical aspects of the currency dynamic.The context of both of the pieces quoted above is that the prevailing pattern of trade before the recession must come to an end.

The Economist

It is also questionable whether many Americans yearn for a return to the belligerence of the early Bush years, even if some think Mr Obama insufficiently assertive in his use of American power.

The Economist

That will reassure South Korea and Japan, which despaired that Mr Bush's negotiations sometimes allowed North Korea to drive a wedge between America and its allies.Mr Kim's belligerence has backfired in political terms too.

The Economist

In a meeting the same day, South Korea's new foreign minister, Yun Byung-se, told me that President Park hopes to implement her "Trustpolitik" policy toward North Korea, but must respond in some way to Pyongyang's latest spasm of belligerence.

The New York Times

And his attempts to lure American Jews with near-racist talk about Arabs and belligerence against Iran could ill serve the interests of his country (and, for that matter, Israel's).Once again, it may be argued that this will not matter: previous presidents pandered to interest groups and embraced realpolitik in office.

The Economist

No sooner had flying been invented than it was turned to belligerence.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "belligerence", consider the context. It often implies a readiness to engage in conflict, whether physical or verbal. Choose it when this sense of active aggression is intended.

Common error

Avoid using "belligerence" to describe simple disagreement or difference of opinion. It suggests a more intense level of hostility and a willingness to escalate conflict.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "belligerence" is as a noun. It denotes a state or quality of being aggressively hostile. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in describing political climates, personal behaviors, and strategic approaches. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "belligerence" is a noun denoting an aggressive or hostile attitude, commonly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English writing. While synonyms like "aggressiveness" and "hostility" exist, "belligerence" specifically implies a readiness to engage in conflict. Use it carefully to accurately convey the intended intensity of aggression. Avoid using it for simple disagreements. Its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The Economist, The Guardian, and The New York Times reinforces its formal and neutral register. As such, it's a word best suited for describing serious situations where active aggression is a key factor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Aggressiveness

Direct synonym, highlighting a proactive and forceful approach.

Hostility

Emphasizes a state of animosity and unfriendliness.

Pugnacity

Stresses a readiness and eagerness to fight or argue.

Combativeness

Focuses on a willingness to engage in conflict.

Bellicosity

Highlights a warlike or aggressively hostile nature.

Antagonism

Emphasizes active opposition or dislike.

Militancy

Suggests a vigorous or aggressive support for a cause.

Confrontational attitude

Describes behavior that is deliberately challenging or aggressive.

Provocativeness

Focuses on the act of inciting anger or resentment.

Argumentativeness

Emphasizes a tendency to engage in arguments or disputes.

FAQs

How can I use "belligerence" in a sentence?

You can use "belligerence" to describe a state of aggression or hostility, as in "The country's "belligerence" towards its neighbors raised concerns internationally".

What are some alternatives to the word "belligerence"?

Alternatives to "belligerence" include "aggressiveness", "hostility", and "pugnacity", each with slightly different nuances.

Is "belligerence" a formal or informal word?

"Belligerence" is generally considered a formal word, suitable for use in news articles, academic papers, and professional communications. It is less common in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "belligerence" and "belligerent"?

"Belligerence" is a noun referring to the state or quality of being aggressive or hostile, while "belligerent" is an adjective describing someone who exhibits such behavior. For example, "His "belligerence" was evident in his "belligerent" remarks".