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Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing

Belligerent

adjective / buh-LIJ-uh-runt / Medium
Meaning

Hostile, aggressive, or engaged in warfare; can describe a state at war or any combative posture.

Origin / Etymology

From Latin 'belligerantem' — 'bellum' (war) + 'gerere' (to wage). Same root as 'bellicose'.

Synonyms
Hostile Combative Pugnacious
Antonyms
Pacific Conciliatory Irenic
Example Sentence
"Despite the belligerent rhetoric from non-state armed groups in the Sahel, India's contingent in MONUSCO continues humanitarian and stabilisation operations under UN mandate."
🎯 UPSC Usage

GS2 IR / GS3 Security: Use for state and non-state actors in conflict — belligerent parties (international humanitarian law term), belligerent rhetoric, belligerent powers.

Relevant Subjects
International Relations Security Defence
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