aggressive
/ə'gresiv/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Ready or likely to attack or confront; characterized by or resulting from aggression: Describes a forceful, hostile, or attacking behavior or attitude.
- Pursuing one's aims and interests forcefully, sometimes unduly so: Describes an energetic and assertive approach to achieving goals.
- (Of a disease or tumor) Developing or spreading rapidly and invasively: Used in medical contexts to describe a severe, fast-progressing condition.
Examples of Usage
- Describing hostile behavior:
- The dog became aggressive when the stranger approached its territory.
- The debate turned aggressive, with both candidates shouting at each other.
- Describing assertive pursuit of goals:
- She has an aggressive strategy for expanding her business into new markets.
- The company launched an aggressive advertising campaign to outsell its competitors.
- Describing a medical condition:
- The patient was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that required immediate treatment.
Advanced Usage
- "Aggressive driving": A style of driving characterized by hostile, reckless, or unsafe maneuvers intended to intimidate other drivers or gain an advantage.
- The city has started a campaign to reduce accidents caused by aggressive driving.
- "Aggressive accounting": Accounting practices that push the limits of legality to present a more favorable financial picture.
- The firm was investigated for using aggressive accounting methods to inflate its profits.
Variants and Related Words
- Aggression (n): Hostile or violent behavior or attitudes; the action of attacking without provocation.
- The act was seen as an act of aggression against a sovereign nation.
- Aggressively (adv): In a manner characterized by aggression or forceful energy.
- He aggressively pursued the lead in the race.
- Aggressor (n): A person or country that attacks first or initiates hostility.
- The treaty identified the invading army as the aggressor.
Synonyms
- Assertive: Confidently forceful or self-assured (often positive, unlike 'aggressive' which can be negative).
- Belligerent: Hostile and aggressive, eager to fight.
- Combative: Ready or eager to fight or argue.
- Forceful: Strong and assertive; vigorous and powerful.
Antonyms
- Passive: Accepting or allowing what happens without active response or resistance.
- Submissive: Ready to conform to the authority or will of others; meek.
- Peaceful: Free from disturbance; tranquil, not involving war or violence.
Related Phrases
- To take an aggressive stance/position: To adopt a very forceful or confrontational approach to an issue.
- The union took an aggressive stance in the negotiations, demanding a 20% pay raise.
- Aggressive growth fund: A type of mutual fund that aims for high returns by investing in high-risk stocks.
- Young investors are often advised to consider aggressive growth funds for their retirement portfolios.
Adjective
- characteristic of an enemy or one eager to fight
- aggressive acts against another country
- a belligerent tone
- tending to spread quickly
- an aggressive tumor
- having or showing determination and energetic pursuit of your ends; positive in his convictions"
- an aggressive businessman
- an aggressive basketball player
- he was aggressive and imperious
- aggressive drivers