Word
combative
Phoneticscom·bat·ive, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌkɑmˈbæˌtɪv/
UK/kˈɒmbətˌɪv/
Definition
adj. having a tendency to argue or fight. You use this to describe someone who is always ready to challenge others or disagree with them.
adj. characterised by a tendency to argue, fight, or challenge others. Often used to describe a person's personality or a specific style of debate.
Examples
“He has a combative nature and rarely agrees with anyone.”
“The politician's combative style made it difficult for her to find common ground with the opposition during the debate.”
“The legal team adopted a combative approach to the settlement, refusing to compromise on any of the core terms until the final hour of the trial.”
Examples
simple
“He has a combative nature and rarely agrees with anyone.”
contextual
“The politician's combative style made it difficult for her to find common ground with the opposition during the debate.”
complex
“The legal team adopted a combative approach to the settlement, refusing to compromise on any of the core terms until the final hour of the trial.”
Real-World Examples
“The spokesperson has been known for his combative approach with the media and fervent defence of the president.” “Helpfully, his ballplaying ability is matched by some equally impressive – and combative – defending.” Etymology
From combat + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
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
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/combative