belligerent

USAGE SUMMARY

'belligerent' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that describes a hostile or warlike attitude and is used to describe a person's attitude or behavior. For example, you could say that "The President's belligerent rhetoric has caused tensions between the two countries to rise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Poroshenko will also need to steer a delicate geopolitical path, moving the country towards closer ties with Europe demanded by the Euromaidan protests that swept out the government of Viktor Yanukovych in February, while improving relations with Russia, Ukraine's often belligerent neighbour.

The Guardian

But for the belligerent Lois, its original sin can never be eradicated.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He needs to give these people opportunities to express their opposition to continued fighting, reaching beyond the more belligerent components of both sides to find a constituency that will support a political process.

The Guardian

Stuart Winter, journalist and 'Birdman' for the Sunday Express, told the RSPB that the robin's characteristics were "those we value most in not just other people but in our island race: small of stature but big of heart; friendly, loyal and endearing yet belligerent and uncompromising to all those who dare extinguish its vitality or threaten its domain.

The Guardian

They wind up on a tough estate in France as asylum seekers and a strange and fascinating dynamic starts to emerge within this phoney family, and the warrior finds that his belligerent skills and instincts come back into play in a drug turf-war.

The Guardian - Film

My favourite belligerent Yorkshireman was reduced to the briefest of cameos this week and for a second I was worried that Hastings' dismissal of Les meant he was going to let Dryden off the hook.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This is a rally that projected a very clear, very nationalist, very belligerent message.

The Guardian

I was, to say the least, surprised when, after half a beer, he got crazily belligerent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If the European court's grand chamber decides the whole-life sentences for Vintner, Bamber and Moore are inhuman and degrading, we can expect a belligerent response from Britain's politicians and judges.

The Guardian

They were powered by a virtuoso innings of brilliance from Virat Kohli, who hit an unbeaten 74 from 48 balls, and a belligerent half-century from Suresh Raina.

The Guardian - Sport

Pyongyang shut the park this month in a strikingly belligerent outburst of rage against the West.Clashes in China's Xinjiang region left 21 people dead, including 15 police officers and officials.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation or policy, consider whether "belligerent" accurately reflects active hostility or merely a firm stance. Choose a more neutral term if the latter is intended.

Common error

Avoid using "belligerent" to describe minor disagreements or debates. This word denotes a severe level of aggression and can be an overstatement in less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "belligerent" primarily functions to describe a noun, indicating that the noun exhibits aggressive hostility or a readiness to fight. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a well-established term for portraying combative attitudes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "belligerent" is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is aggressively hostile or eager to fight. Ludwig AI validates its correct and common usage in written English. It frequently appears in news and media contexts, demonstrating its relevance in describing international relations, political discourse, and even personal interactions. When using "belligerent", it's important to ensure that it accurately reflects active hostility, avoiding its misuse for minor disagreements. Alternatives like "hostile", "aggressive", and "combative" can offer more nuanced descriptions depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bellicose

Similar to "belligerent" but often refers to a more formal or public declaration of hostility.

warlike

Focuses more on a general inclination towards war or conflict.

hostile

Indicates a strong feeling of opposition or dislike.

aggressive

Emphasizes forceful and sometimes overly assertive behavior.

antagonistic

Indicates active opposition or hostility.

combative

Suggests a readiness to fight or argue.

truculent

Emphasizes a fierce and bad-tempered readiness to argue.

pugnacious

Highlights a natural disposition to fight or be argumentative.

militant

Suggests a strong, often aggressive, support for a cause.

contentious

Highlights the tendency to cause arguments or disputes.

FAQs

How to use "belligerent" in a sentence?

You can use "belligerent" to describe someone who is aggressively hostile or eager to fight. For example, "The negotiator adopted a "belligerent" attitude during the talks, refusing to compromise on any issue."

What can I say instead of "belligerent"?

You can use alternatives like "hostile", "aggressive", or "combative", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "belligerent" or "belligerence"?

"Belligerent" is an adjective that describes someone or something, while "belligerence" is a noun that refers to the state or quality of being belligerent.

What's the difference between "belligerent" and "bellicose"?

While both words describe someone eager to fight, "belligerent" often refers to an individual's attitude or behavior, while "bellicose" often describes a nation or government's policies or rhetoric.