truculent
/'trʌkjulənt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Defiantly aggressive; eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively hostile: Describes a person, attitude, or behavior that is fiercely combative, belligerent, or savagely harsh.
- Cruel or savage; ferocious: Can describe something marked by a brutal, fierce, or scathingly harsh quality.
Usage
The adjective "truculent" is used to characterize a person's manner, tone, or actions. It implies a readiness to confront, attack, or be violently argumentative. It often describes a stance that is not just angry but aggressively defiant.
Examples
- The manager's truculent response to criticism only made the situation worse.
- His truculent demeanor intimidated his colleagues.
- The debate was marked by truculent exchanges between the candidates.
- She gave a truculent glare to anyone who disagreed with her.
Advanced Usage
- In literary or formal criticism: Used to describe a savagely harsh or scathing tone in writing or speech.
- The critic's review was praised for its truculent wit.
- In political or social commentary: Describes an aggressively confrontational stance.
- The opposition leader adopted a truculent posture during the negotiations.
Variants and Related Words
- Truculence (noun): The quality or state of being truculent; aggressive defiance or ferocity.
- His truculence was a major obstacle to finding a peaceful solution.
- Truculently (adverb): In a truculent manner.
- He stared truculently at the officer.
Synonyms
- Belligerent: Warlike; aggressively hostile.
- Bellicose: Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.
- Pugnacious: Eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight.
- Hostile: Unfriendly; antagonistic.
- Aggressive: Ready or likely to attack or confront.
Antonyms
- Peaceable: Inclined to avoid conflict; peaceful.
- Conciliatory: Intended or likely to placate or pacify.
- Gentle: Mild in temperament or behavior; not harsh or severe.
- Amiable: Having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner.
Related Phrases and Idioms
(Note: "Truculent" itself is not commonly used in fixed idioms, but it describes the tone of such interactions.) - To adopt a truculent tone/attitude/stance: To deliberately take on an aggressively hostile position. - Faced with the allegations, the company adopted a truculent stance, denying all wrongdoing.
Adjective
- defiantly aggressive
- a truculent speech against the new government