Word
antagonistic
Phoneticsan·tag·o·nis·tic, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ænˌtæɡəˈnɪstɪk/
UK/æntˈæɡənˈɪstɪk/
Definition
adj. showing strong dislike or opposition toward someone or something. You use this to describe a person or a situation where people are acting like enemies.
adj. showing or feeling active opposition or hostility toward someone or something. Often used to describe interpersonal relationships or political stances characterized by conflict.
Examples
“The two neighbors have an antagonistic relationship.”
“The debate turned sour when the candidates began using antagonistic language instead of discussing the actual policy.”
“While some competition can drive innovation, an overly antagonistic corporate culture often leads to high employee turnover and a breakdown in internal communication.”
Examples
simple
“The two neighbors have an antagonistic relationship.”
contextual
“The debate turned sour when the candidates began using antagonistic language instead of discussing the actual policy.”
complex
“While some competition can drive innovation, an overly antagonistic corporate culture often leads to high employee turnover and a breakdown in internal communication.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'to' or 'toward'.
Real-World Examples
“We learn about Capone’s short but lively trip to Hollywood and his initially antagonistic, but ultimately positive reception to the loose biopic made about him in 1932, Scarface.” “When Kristian is home for Christmas, he’s antagonistic towards his family, too.” Etymology
From antagonist + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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