What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
assaultive
Example
The suspect was arrested for assaultive behavior towards the police officer. [assaultive: adjective]
Example
The victim suffered from assaultive injuries after the altercation. [assaultive: adjective]
combative
Example
He has a combative personality and always gets into arguments with his coworkers. [combative: adjective]
Example
The two teams engaged in a combative match, resulting in several fouls. [combative: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Combative is more commonly used than assaultive in everyday language. Combative is versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while assaultive is less common and typically used in more specific situations involving physical violence.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between assaultive and combative?
While assaultive is associated with a more formal tone due to its legal implications, combative can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe confrontational behavior.
