belligerence

/bəˈlɪdʒərəns/ (bre, ipa) · /bəˈlɪdʒərəns/ (ame, ipa) · /bə-ˈli-jə-rən(t)s -ˈlij-/ (ame, mw)

belligerence — noun

1. behaviour or speech that shows someone is eager to argue with people or to start

1.名詞C1
釋義

behaviour or speech that shows someone is eager to argue with people or to start a fight, even when there is no good reason

例句

Kwame's constant belligerence at team meetings pushed away even his oldest friends.

belligerence at team meetings

The principal warned the student that his belligerence toward teachers would not be tolerated.

同義詞
  • aggressiveness

    broader term; can describe useful drive (e.g. in sports or business), whereas belligerence is always negative

  • hostility

    focuses more on the feeling of unfriendliness than on visible arguing or fighting

  • pugnacity

    more literary and less common, specifically describes a natural tendency to pick fights

反義詞

用法筆記

Frequently describes a tone of voice, a choice of words, or a momentary attitude rather than a permanent personality trait. Often used with the prepositions 'toward' or 'with' to indicate the target of the hostility.

常見錯誤

❌His belligerence in the meeting impressed the boss.
✅His belligerence in the meeting upset the whole team.
💡belligerence always carries a negative meaning; it is not a quality to admire.

2. action taken by a nation or political group that involves fighting a war or beha

2.名詞C2
釋義

action taken by a nation or political group that involves fighting a war or behaving in a way that makes war more likely

例句

The United Nations condemned the country's growing belligerence toward its smaller neighbours.

growing belligerence toward

Military analysts warned that the government's belligerence could lead to a full-scale armed conflict.

同義詞
  • aggressiveness

    broader term that can apply to both individuals and countries; less specific to warfare

  • warmongering

    strongly negative; suggests actively encouraging war, not just showing readiness

  • bellicosity

    a more formal, less common synonym specific to a warlike attitude

反義詞
  • peacekeeping

    efforts to prevent conflict or maintain peace

  • diplomacy

    negotiation and dialogue as an alternative to war

用法筆記

Typically describes the actions or policies of a nation or political group. When applied to individuals, the word sounds dramatic and literary rather than literal.

常見錯誤

❌The two companies showed belligerence in the market war.
✅The two nations showed belligerence along the disputed border.
💡for sense 2, use belligerence about countries at war, not business competition.