Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
Belligerent
Hostile and aggressive; inclined to fight or quarrel; relating to war or conflict.
adjectiveCheck this word before you leave
Pick the meaning. Keys A–D work too.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
💡
Imagine This
Those who like to bully others usually like to argue and fight.
🔊
Sounds Like
BELL-ih-JER-uhnt
👀
Looks Like
looks like 'bell' (war) + 'gerent' (bearing)
📝
Remember This
From Latin bellum ‘war’ and gerere ‘to bear, to carry on’; belligerence is the state or quality of being warlike.
📚
Other Forms
belligerencenoun
belligerentlyadverb
🔗
Connect With
hostility, aggression, combativeness, bellicosity
📌
Note
Often used to describe people or nations; not used for weather. Similar to bellicose; avoid confusing with non-war contexts.
🧠
Study Deeper
Examples
- The belligerent nations refused to sign a peace treaty.
- Her belligerent attitude during the meeting made collaboration impossible.
Synonyms
aggressivecombativehostilepugnaciousbellicose
Antonyms
peacefulconciliatorycalm
Etymology
From Latin bellum ‘war’ + -gerent (bearing, waging), via French; the sense evolved to mean warlike or quarrelsome.
Mnemonic
Belligerent: think bell (war) ringing as someone who bears war; a person who is ready to fight.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Marred
adjectiveRuined; damaged; spoiled in appearance or quality.
Indifference
nounA lack of interest, concern, or sympathy; the state of not caring about something or someone, or of showing no bias in judging a matter.
Dissolution
nounThe act or process of dissolving a substance in a solvent, or the ending or disbanding of an organization, agreement, or structure.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.