agonistic

[ ag-uh-nis-tik ]

adjective

1. combative; striving to overcome in argument.
2. straining for effect:

   agonistic humor.

3. of or relating to ancient Greek athletic contests.
4. Ethology. pertaining to the range of activities associated with aggressive encounters between members of the same species, including threat, attack, appeasement, or retreat.

agonistic

/ ˌæɡəˈnɪstɪk /

adjective

1. striving for effect; strained
2. eager to win in discussion or argument; competitive

Other Words From

• ago·nisti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of agonistic¹

1640–50; < Greek agōnistikós, equivalent to agōnist ( ḗs ) agonist + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of agonistic¹

C17: via Late Latin from Greek agōnistikos, from agōn contest

Example Sentences

Something essential has been lost as these solo performances have gradually pushed agonistic events out of the Olympic spotlight.

From The Daily Beast

Moreover, most of the burrows were only a few feet apart and no agonistic behavior was witnessed.

From Project Gutenberg

Such agonistic scenes must have entertained the reader of the time as much as they did the author.

From Project Gutenberg

According to Aristotle himself, therefore, the Dialectician is agonistic and eristic, just as much as the Sophist.

From Project Gutenberg

A dummy Bell Vireo elicited both agonistic and epigamic behavior from nesting pairs, depending on the phase of the nesting cycle.

From Project Gutenberg

These actions have been emancipated from incomplete take-offs and incorporated in ritualized courtship and agonistic behavior.

From Project Gutenberg