agonistic
combative; striving to overcome in argument.
straining for effect: agonistic humor.
of or relating to ancient Greek athletic contests.
Ethology. pertaining to the range of activities associated with aggressive encounters between members of the same species, including threat, attack, appeasement, or retreat.
Origin of agonistic
1- Also ag·o·nis·ti·cal .
Other words from agonistic
- ag·o·nis·ti·cal·ly, adverb
Words Nearby agonistic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use agonistic in a sentence
Something essential has been lost as these solo performances have gradually pushed agonistic events out of the Olympic spotlight.
The Olympics Wimps Out on Wrestling and Competition | James Romm | February 23, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTMoreover, most of the burrows were only a few feet apart and no agonistic behavior was witnessed.
Summer Birds From the Yucatan Peninsula | Erwin E. KlaasSuch agonistic scenes must have entertained the reader of the time as much as they did the author.
Essays on the Greek Romances | Elizabeth Hazelton HaightAccording to Aristotle himself, therefore, the Dialectician is agonistic and eristic, just as much as the Sophist.
Aristotle | George GroteA dummy Bell Vireo elicited both agonistic and epigamic behavior from nesting pairs, depending on the phase of the nesting cycle.
Natural History of the Bell Vireo, Vireo bellii Audubon | Jon C. Barlow
These actions have been emancipated from incomplete take-offs and incorporated in ritualized courtship and agonistic behavior.
Natural History of the Bell Vireo, Vireo bellii Audubon | Jon C. Barlow
British Dictionary definitions for agonistic
/ (ˌæɡəˈnɪstɪk) /
striving for effect; strained
eager to win in discussion or argument; competitive
Origin of agonistic
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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