pugnacity
1
9.1
- noun
- /pʌɡˈnæsɪti/
:
pugnacidad
- Her pugnacity often led to arguments, as she was quick to challenge others' opinions.
Examples
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Their pugnacity at home restrained by treaties, Western nations would grow more aggressive in the East, no longer content with beachheads on the vast continent of Asia.
Blog text (26) -
All in all, a warrior's reputation, like pugnacity itself, thus seems to be a variable commodity.
Academic text (2000) -
It was therefore necessary for the natural pacifism of women to "tame male pugnacity."
Academic text (1997) -
Associated with this seemingly disproportionate strength is the self-confidence and pugnacity for which weasels are famous.
Academic text (1991) -
Beaverbrooks energy, independence, pugnacity, initiative, cynicism and humour are all subtly yet lucidly revealed.
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They do not contribute to GDP, boost the entrepreneurial pugnacity of the nation, or inflate the UK's imperial image on the world stage.
Blog text (3) -
My contention is that the popular stereotype of almost blind, apolitical pugnacity ignores the complexity of this remarkable man and sets him on an unreal pedestal.
Academic text (1993) -
The boxer was known for his pugnacity, always eager to engage in a fight.
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The political debate was filled with pugnacity, with both sides unwilling to back down.
Synonyms
12
4.6
Showing a readiness to attack or threaten others
5
7.9
Unfriendly and aggressive behavior that tries to start a fight
1
8.4
A habit of arguing and causing disagreement
1
7.5
A willingness to argue or fight
A quick angry way of behaving that leads to arguments
A habit of starting arguments or fights
A tendency to argue with others
A habit of arguing or disagreeing with others often
A tendency to argue a lot with other people
A way of acting that is too forceful and hostile in words or actions
Antonyms
How Combative
Surface Forms
Morphology
pugnacity = pugnacious (semi-transparent) = pugnac + ity
Formed by adding the productive noun-forming suffix '-ity' to the adjective 'pugnacious'; the morphological process is regular but the adjective and its Latin root are relatively obscure to average learners.
Etymology
Pugnacity comes from the Latin words pugnare 'to fight' and pugnus 'fist', the same root you see in pugnacious; so it means a ready-to-fight, quick-to-argue nature.