Belligerent. bel. lig. er. ent. [buhl LIJ uhr unt]. adjective. [from Latin belliger, to wage war].
- Warring. 2. Having an aggressive or hostile attitude.
In which sentences is belligerent used correctly? Check all that apply.
The cheerful teenager is always belligerent.
The belligerent countries at last decided to sign a peace treaty.
The belligerent girl talked back to a teacher.
The two days of vacation made them feel belligerent and relaxed.
The United Nations sent a diplomat to the belligerent country.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct sentences are:
- The belligerent countries at last decided to sign a peace treaty.
- The belligerent girl talked back to a teacher.
- The United Nations sent a diplomat to the belligerent country.
Explanation:
The word “belligerent” comes from the Latin word “belliger,” meaning “to wage war.” As an adjective, it describes a person, group, or country that displays aggression, hostility, or readiness for conflict. Understanding the word’s root in warfare helps clarify that “belligerent” implies a combative or confrontational stance. Let’s examine how this meaning applies to each sentence.
- “The cheerful teenager is always belligerent.”
This sentence is incorrect. A cheerful attitude does not align with the meaning of belligerent, which conveys hostility or aggression. If a teenager is cheerful, they would typically display a friendly, positive demeanor, which contrasts with the idea of being belligerent. - “The belligerent countries at last decided to sign a peace treaty.”
This sentence is correct. Here, belligerent is used to describe countries that have been involved in conflict or war. The use of “peace treaty” implies that these countries were in a hostile or warlike state, which fits the definition of belligerent as “warring.” - “The belligerent girl talked back to a teacher.”
This sentence is correct. Talking back to a teacher implies a defiant or confrontational attitude, which aligns with the second meaning of belligerent as “having an aggressive or hostile attitude.” - “The two days of vacation made them feel belligerent and relaxed.”
This sentence is incorrect. The words “belligerent” and “relaxed” have opposite meanings. A relaxed state suggests calmness, while belligerent indicates aggression or hostility. Vacation typically promotes relaxation, not hostility. - “The United Nations sent a diplomat to the belligerent country.”
This sentence is correct. Sending a diplomat to a belligerent country suggests that the country is in a hostile or warlike state, and a diplomat is needed to mediate or negotiate peace. This fits with the definition of belligerent as a warring or hostile nation.
In summary, belligerent describes someone or something showing aggression, hostility, or conflict readiness, which makes it suitable in sentences where conflict, hostility, or defiance is evident.