Antagonistic Meaning and Definition
Antagonistic
Pronunciation
/æn.tæɡ.ən.ɪstɪk/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Showing opposition or hostility in intention, sentiment, or action; opposing or working against another person or group.
Examples
- The rival companies have an antagonistic relationship.
- The socialist and capitalist ideologies are often antagonistic.
Synonyms
- Hostile
- Adversarial
Antonyms
- Complementary
- Collaborative
Etymology
The word “Antagonistic” comes from the Greek words “anti” meaning “against” and “agonizesthai” meaning “to struggle” or “to fight”.
Usage Notes
Antagonistic can be used to describe a relationship between individuals, groups, or even ideas.
Cultural References
Antagonistic has been used in various literature and media, such as in William Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet” to describe the feud between the Montagues and Capulets.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Two sides of the same coin
Related Words or Phrases
- Hostile
- Adversarial
- Opposing
Collocations
- Antagonistic relationship
- Antagonistic forces
Frequency of Use
Antagonistic is a relatively common word in modern language, often used in various contexts to describe oppositive relationships.
Common Misspellings
- Antagonisic
- Antagonisticly