belligerent
/bəˈlɪdʒ.(ə).ɹənt/
Group 12Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Hostile and aggressive; engaged in a war GRE
Example in Context
The country's increasingly belligerent posture alarmed neighboring states and prompted an emergency session of the security council.
Synonyms
hostileaggressivewarlike
Etymology
One who carries the nature of war, always ready to fight.
- bellum (Latin) — war
- gerere (Latin) — to carry
Memory Aid
🔔Sounds like “bell-ligerent”
A BELL ringing to signal a fight — the BELLIGERENT gladiator charges in with a sword!
Visual Association
⚔️A warrior with a fierce glare, ready to attack anyone who dares to approach.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “belligerent” mean on the GRE?
belligerent (adjective) means “Hostile and aggressive; engaged in a war”. The country's increasingly belligerent posture alarmed neighboring states and prompted an emergency session of the security council.
How to remember “belligerent” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “belligerent” sounds like “bell-ligerent”. A BELL ringing to signal a fight — the BELLIGERENT gladiator charges in with a sword!
What are synonyms for “belligerent”?
Common synonyms: hostile, aggressive, warlike.