warlike

/ˈwɔːlaɪk/ (bre, ipa) · [wˈɔrlˌaɪk] /ˈwɔːrlaɪk/ (ame, ipa) · [wˈɔrlˌaɪk] /ˈwȯr-ˌlīk How to pronounce warlike (audio)/ (ame, mw)

warlike — adjective

  • warlikepositive
  • more warlikecomparative
  • most warlikesuperlative

1. ready to fight or start wars, or too willing to use military force against other

1.形容詞C1
釋義

ready to fight or start wars, or too willing to use military force against other people or countries.

例句

The new ruler gave warlike speeches and promised to seize the border towns.

warlike speeches / rhetoric

Foreign diplomats worried that the country had become more warlike after the attack.

become more warlike

同義詞
  • bellicose

    more formal and literary than warlike

  • militant

    often stresses aggressive activism or action, not only war

  • hawkish

    usually used of politicians or policies that favour military action

反義詞
  • peaceful
  • pacific

    formal opposite, especially in writing about nations or peoples

文法句型

be warlike

warlike + noun

用法筆記

Usually describes people, groups, governments, or policies. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense is about wanting to fight, not simply looking or sounding related to war.

2. related to war, used in war, or making people think of soldiers, battle, and mil

2.形容詞C1
釋義

related to war, used in war, or making people think of soldiers, battle, and military danger.

例句

Dark smoke and warlike drums turned the festival opening into a tense scene.

warlike drums / imagery

The museum displayed warlike helmets, shields, and banners from the ancient kingdom.

warlike + military objects

同義詞
  • martial

    more formal; often about soldiers, military style, or discipline

  • military

    more factual and neutral; warlike often adds atmosphere or threat

  • battle-ready

    narrower; stresses being prepared to fight rather than merely looking war-related

反義詞
  • civilian

    describes non-military things rather than war-related ones

  • peaceful

    opposite in atmosphere or appearance

文法句型

warlike + noun

look warlike

用法筆記

Often modifies scenes, sounds, clothing, equipment, or objects. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense does not mean someone wants war; it only describes a war-related appearance, sound, or feeling.