combatively
1
7.1
- adverb
- /kəmˈbætɪvli/
- Spector comes up to Frank in the wings, positioning himself combatively between Frank and his view of Rachel.
Examples
-
His heavy frame shifted combatively, and his aged face furrowed.
Fiction book (1993) -
She reads a great deal, gardens, and speaks her mind combatively.
Academic text (1993) -
She argued her point combatively, showing she was ready to engage in a fierce debate.
-
The boxer approached the ring combatively, eager to prove his strength against his opponent.
-
During the meeting, he spoke combatively, challenging every suggestion that was made.
Synonyms
128
4.9
In a forceful way that shows readiness to attack or argue
68
3.7
In a very strong way that shows energy or anger
39
2.8
In a harsh, angry way when speaking to someone
23
4.0
In a way that tries to attack or gain advantage over others
11
5.6
In a very strong and angry way
2
7.6
In an angry and unfriendly way that shows you want to fight
2
7.5
In a forceful way that shows someone is ready to fight for a cause
1
8.1
In a way that shows anger and strong disagreement
1
9.9
In a very harsh and angry way that hurts people
1
8.8
In a way that shows someone wants to fight or argue
1
7.0
You speak in a way that shows you like to disagree with others
1
9.8
In an angry, aggressive way that rejects other people's ideas
1
9.1
In a grumpy way that argues with others or refuses to cooperate
1
8.4
Act in a way that shows they will fight or argue
1
7.5
Being forceful and pushy, ignoring other people's views
1
9.9
To criticise someone using very harsh, insulting words
Antonyms
How Combative
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word combatively comes from combat ('fight'), which comes from the parts com- 'with' and bat 'to beat', the same idea you see in battle. So, to act combatively is to be ready to fight or argue.