agonistic

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἀγωνιστικός (agōnistikós).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /aɡəˈnɪstɪk/

Adjective

agonistic (comparative more agonistic, superlative most agonistic)

1. of or relating to contests that were originally participated in by the Ancient Greeks; athletic
2. (zoology, anthropology) characterised by conflict or hostility
   • 2006, Karen Armstrong, The Great Transformation, Atlantic Books 2007, p. 66:

     This was clearly such an event, but like the ancient religion of Israel, it was also deeply agonistic.

3. (rhetoric) argumentative; combative
4. Struggling to achieve an effect; strained and contrived.
5. (pharmacology) pertaining to an agonist

Derived terms

• agonistic buffer
• agonistic monoclonal antibody
• agonistic muscle
• agonistic pluralism
• agonistic threat display

 

Translations

characterised by conflict or hostility

• French: agonistique (fr)
• Italian: agonistico (it)

• Portuguese: agonístico

Anagrams

• sociating