belligerent
belligerent
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling for "belligerent"
British English (Modern IPA): bəlˈɪdʒərənt
American English (both Modern and Traditional IPA): bəˈlɪd͡ʒ.ə.ɹənt
Breakdown by Syllable:
bel- (bəl)
b - voiced bilabial plosive
əl - central vowel (schwa)
-lig- (ˈɪdʒ)
ˈ - primary stress
ɪ - near-close front unrounded vowel
d͡ʒ - voiced postalveolar affricate (similar to "j" in "jump")
-er- (ə.ɹ)
ə - central vowel (schwa)
ɹ - alveolar approximant (similar to "r" in "run")
-ent (ənt)
ə - central vowel (schwa)
n - alveolar nasal
t - voiceless alveolar plosive
Word Form Variations
"Belligerent" has two main variations depending on its part of speech:
Adjective:
Singular: belligerent (describes one person or thing)
Plural: belligerent (no change in form for plural)
Noun (less common):
Singular: belligerent (describes one nation or party involved in a war)
Plural: belligerents (refers to multiple nations or parties involved in a war)
There are no verb forms or other grammatical conjugations for "belligerent."
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Adjective (most common):
Definition: Eager or ready to fight or argue; hostile and aggressive.
Synonyms: combative, pugnacious, quarrelsome, bellicose, hostile, antagonistic, confrontational, truculent
Antonyms: peaceful, amicable, conciliatory, agreeable, passive
Noun (less common):
Definition: 1. A nation or group actively engaged in warfare. (This usage is less frequent than the adjective.)
Synonyms: combatant, party to the conflict, warring nation (These terms are more specific than "belligerent" as a noun.)
Antonyms: peacekeeper, mediator
Note: There are no verb, adverb, or other common grammatical conjugations for "belligerent."
Examples of Use
Books:
Classic Literature: "Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three and twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character. Her mind was less difficult to penetrate. It was a good one; not faultless, not powerful, but sweet, busy, and cheerful. She had strong feelings, but she knew how to control them; and under circumstances which appeared likely to try her temper, she would often give way with a playful smile, that threatened a very different expression if her veil were removed." (Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen). Here, Mr. Bennet's sarcastic and argumentative nature is described with "belligerent."
Modern Fiction: "Anya's belligerent scowl deepened. 'You promised you wouldn't bring this up,' she snapped." (Red Rising by Pierce Brown). This young adult novel uses "belligerent" to portray a character's hostile facial expression and tone.
Newspapers:
"The two leaders exchanged increasingly belligerent rhetoric, raising fears of a full-blown conflict." (The New York Times). This news headline uses "belligerent" to describe aggressive and potentially war-like speech from political leaders.
Online Publications:
"The online comment section devolved into a belligerent shouting match, with no one willing to listen to the other side." (Social media post) Here, "belligerent" describes the hostile and unproductive nature of an online discussion.
Entertainment Mediums:
Movie: In a superhero film, a character might be described as "belligerent" if they are constantly picking fights or arguing with their teammates.
Video Games: A video game character with a hostile and aggressive attitude towards other characters could be labelled "belligerent."
Public Discourse:
"The protesters became increasingly belligerent as the police tried to disperse them." (News report on a demonstration). This example describes a crowd becoming more confrontational and potentially violent.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Belligerent
Due to the combative nature of "belligerent," it's less frequent in inspirational or motivational quotes. However, here are ten quotes featuring "belligerent" that showcase its use across different contexts:
"The Black female is assaulted in her tender years by all those common forces of nature at the same time that she is caught in the tripartite crossfire of masculine prejudice, white illogical hate and Black lack of power. But if the adult American Negro female emerges a formidable character, this is often met with amazement, distaste and even belligerence." (Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings) - This quote highlights how societal forces can make someone belligerent.
"The characteristic of modern warfare is its totality. To make war total is to make it revolutionary." (Carl von Clausewitz, On War) - This quote from a military treatise uses "belligerent" in the context of all-encompassing warfare.
"The so-called philosophic wars begin with difference of opinions, and end in bitterness of mind." (Voltaire, Philosophical Dictionary) - This quote describes how philosophical debates can turn belligerent.
"The only good Indian is a dead Indian." (Gen. Philip Sheridan, attributed quote) - This historical quote, though controversial, uses "belligerent" to describe a hostile attitude towards a particular group (though the sentiment itself is not endorsed).
"It is not the differences that divide us. It is our belligerent insistence on those differences that divides us." (Stephen Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People) - This leadership quote highlights how focusing on differences can make people belligerent.
"A little inaccuracy sometimes saves a world of trouble." (Voltaire, Candide) - This satirical quote uses "belligerent" to imply that some might act hostile to avoid admitting they're wrong.
"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding." (Albert Einstein) - This quote contrasts peace with a belligerent approach.
"The pen is mightier than the sword." (Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Richelieu) - This quote suggests using words and reason instead of belligerent actions.
"They clung to their hate as a life raft." (M.R. Carey, The Girl with All the Gifts) - This quote from a dystopian novel describes how fear and hate can make people belligerent.
"There is nothing stronger than a broken man rebuilding himself." (Pierce Brown, Red Rising) - This quote, though not directly using "belligerent," implies that someone who has faced hardship might become more aggressive or belligerent.
Etymology
The word "belligerent" comes from the Latin language, just like many English words do. Imagine "bellum" which means "war" and "gerere" which means "to wage" or "to carry on." Put them together, like building with Legos, and you get "belligerare" which means "to wage war."
English borrowed this word sometime in the late 1500s and chopped off the end a bit to make it "belligerent." At first, it only referred to countries or people who were actively fighting a war. Over time, the meaning broadened to describe anyone who is acting hostile, aggressive, or ready to fight, even if it's just a verbal battle!
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Belligerent
Belligerent tone: This describes a hostile or aggressive way of speaking, even if the words themselves aren't necessarily threatening.
Go on the belligerent: This is a less common phrase suggesting someone is becoming increasingly aggressive or argumentative.
In a belligerent mood: This simply means someone is feeling hostile and likely to pick a fight (verbally or physically).
Stir up belligerent feelings: This describes actions or words that intentionally provoke anger and aggression.
A belligerent drunk: This refers to someone who becomes aggressive and hostile under the influence of alcohol.
Not worth a belligerent word: This suggests a situation isn't important enough to waste time arguing about.
Idioms (Figurative expressions):
Take up arms: This doesn't literally mean grabbing weapons, but signifies getting ready for a fight or disagreement.
Warpath: If someone is "on the warpath," they are angry and looking for a fight.
Posts Related to Belligerent
Source Information
Definition of belligerent from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
