YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME
Pugnacious
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Meaning in plain English
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Pronunciation
Pugnacious/pʌɡˈneɪʃəs/
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A mild disagreement
Eager to turn it into a fight
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Examples in context
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- His pugnacious attitude often got him into unnecessary trouble.
- The pugnacious boxer never turned down a challenge.
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His ________ attitude often got him into unnecessary trouble.
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Pugnacious — Eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight.
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Eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight.
Compare: His pugnacious attitude often got him into unnecessary trouble.
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Pugnacious does not require a physical fight
Pugnacious describes a readiness to quarrel or fight. It can concern argumentative behaviour in a discussion as well as physical aggression. The word usually sounds critical. An assertive person can state a position firmly while remaining respectful; a pugnacious person seems eager for conflict.
In context: His pugnacious replies turned a small disagreement into a long argument.
Try it: Someone calmly says no and explains a boundary. Is pugnacious the best description?
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No. Firm disagreement alone is not a desire to quarrel. Assertive is often more suitable in that situation.
Dictionary reference: Merriam-Webster: Pugnacious.
Word origin
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