belligerence
Meaning: Aggressive or warlike behaviour; a readiness to fight or quarrel.
Belligerence describes an aggressive, confrontational attitude — the quality of being eager to fight. It can be applied to individuals, groups, or nations. A 'belligerent' (noun) in international law is a nation or group engaged in war. The adjective 'belligerent' describes someone who is aggressively hostile. 'Belligerence' is more formal than 'aggression' and often implies a deliberate, sustained combativeness rather than a momentary outburst.
Examples
- The diplomat warned that the neighbouring state's increasing belligerence could destabilise the entire region. 外交官警告说,邻国日益增长的好战行为可能会使整个地区不稳定。El diplomático advirtió de que la creciente beligerancia del Estado vecino podría desestabilizar toda la región.外交官は、隣国の好戦性の高まりが地域全体を不安定化させる可能性があると警告した。외교관은 이웃 국가의 증가하는 호전성이 지역 전체를 불안정하게 만들 수 있다고 경고했다.
- His belligerence during the meeting alienated colleagues who might otherwise have supported his proposals. 他在会议上的好战态度疏远了原本可能支持他提案的同事。Su beligerancia durante la reunión alejó a colegas que de otro modo podrían haber respaldado sus propuestas.会議中の彼の好戦的な態度は、本来なら彼の提案を支持していたかもしれない同僚たちを遠ざけた。회의 중 그의 호전적인 태도는 그의 제안을 지지했을 수도 있는 동료들을 멀어지게 했다.
- The belligerent tone of the press conference suggested that negotiations were unlikely to succeed. 新闻发布会的好战语气表明谈判不太可能成功。El tono beligerante de la rueda de prensa sugería que era improbable que las negociaciones prosperasen.記者会見の好戦的な口調は、交渉が成功する見込みがないことを示唆していた。기자회견의 호전적인 어조는 협상이 성공할 가능성이 낮음을 시사했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: media, academic, professional
Tone: negative
Origin & History
From Latin belligerans (waging war), present participle of belligerare, from belliger (warlike), from bellum (war) + gerere (to wage, carry on). The personal behaviour sense extended from the military meaning.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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