Words / C2

pug-NAYSH-uh-s/pʌɡˈneɪʃəs/

Pugnacious means eager to argue or fight: a pugnacious style, pugnacious in debate. Aggressive is everyday and broader; combative is a close cousin; belligerent is hotter. Slightly literary or journalistic. In speech, spoiling for a fight is the picture. Pugnacious can be faint praise for a debater or a warning in a seminar. It is temperament, not a single firm rebuttal. Do not call a quiet, precise disagreement pugnacious.

Meaning

Eager to argue or fight.

Examples

• “His pugnacious style does not suit a seminar.”
• “His pugnacious style does not suit a seminar that is trying to read a page together.”
• “A pugnacious opening won the floor and lost the committee.”

Good to know

Eager to fight or argue. Everyday: aggressive / spoiling for a fight. Close: combative. Journalistic/literary. Temperament, not one firm point.

Near in meaning

combative

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