Basic Details
Word: Belligerent
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Showing a willingness to fight or argue; aggressive.
Synonyms: Hostile, combative, aggressive
Antonyms: Peaceful, friendly, amicable
Idioms and Phrases
- To throw down the gauntlet: To challenge someone to a fight or competition. Example: "When he disagreed with her ideas, he threw down the gauntlet, eager for a debate."
- To have a chip on one's shoulder: To be easily angered or ready to fight. Example: "Since losing the game, he has had a chip on his shoulder and reacts belligerently to any small criticism."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The belligerent actions of the rival team led to a heated argument between the players.
Example 2: The belligerent neighbour often complained loudly about anything that disturbed his peace.
Example 3: Teachers prefer to address issues calmly rather than dealing with belligerent students who are ready to fight back.
Fun Fact
The word "belligerent" comes from the Latin word "belligerare", which means 'to wage war'. It combines "bellum" meaning "war" and "gerere" meaning "to carry on".
Famous Quote
"It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud." - Proverbs 16:19
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "belligerent" mean?
a) Friendly and kind
b) Showing a willingness to fight
c) Quiet and reserved
d) Happy and cheerful
Answer: b) Showing a willingness to fight
2. Which of these is a synonym of "belligerent"?
a) Peaceful
b) Aggressive
c) Amicable
d) Friendly
Answer: b) Aggressive
3. What is an antonym of "belligerent"?
a) Hostile
b) Combative
c) Peaceful
d) Arrogant
Answer: c) Peaceful
4. Which sentence uses "belligerent" correctly?
a) The belligerent puppy played nicely with the children.
b) She made a belligerent joke at the party.
c) His belligerent tone caused everyone to feel uncomfortable.
d) The belligerent music was played softly in the background.
Answer: c) His belligerent tone caused everyone to feel uncomfortable.
5. Which idiom means to challenge someone?
a) To have a chip on one's shoulder
b) To throw down the gauntlet
c) To cross the line
d) To break the ice
Answer: b) To throw down the gauntlet
