Belligerent vs. Pugnacious — What's the Difference?

A belligerent is an individual, group, country, or other entity that acts in a hostile manner, such as engaging in combat. The term comes from the Latin bellum gerere ("to wage war").

Combative in nature.

Inclined or eager to fight; hostile or aggressive.

Naturally aggressive or hostile; combative; belligerent; bellicose.

Of, pertaining to, or engaged in warfare.

Disposed to fight; inclined to fighting; quarrelsome; fighting.

One that is hostile or aggressive, especially one that is engaged in war.

Tough and callous by virtue of experience

Engaged in warfare, warring.

Ready and able to resort to force or violence;

Eager to go to war, warlike.

Of or pertaining to war.

(by extension) Aggressively hostile, eager to fight.

Acting violently towards others.

Uncooperative.

A state or other armed participant in warfare

Waging war; carrying on war.

Pertaining, or tending, to war; of or relating to belligerents; as, a belligerent tone; belligerent rights.

A nation or state recognized as carrying on war; a person engaged in warfare.

Someone who fights (or is fighting)

Characteristic of an enemy or one eager to fight;

Engaged in war;