What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
agonistic
Example
The politician's agonistic approach to the debate made it difficult for her opponent to respond. [agonistic: adjective]
Example
She was known for her agonistic personality and always enjoyed a good argument. [agonistic: noun]
aggressive
Example
The aggressive dog barked and growled at anyone who came near. [aggressive: adjective]
Example
He was fired from his job for his aggressive behavior towards his coworkers. [aggressive: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Aggressive is a more commonly used word than agonistic in everyday language. Aggressive is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while agonistic is less common and typically used in academic or intellectual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between agonistic and aggressive?
Aggressive is generally associated with a negative connotation and is often used in informal contexts. Agonistic, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts and can have either a positive or negative connotation depending on the context.
