What is antagonistic? Pronunciation and usage in English

antagonistic means . Learn how to pronounce and use antagonistic through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of antagonistic

antagonisticadjective

/ænˌtæɡəˈnɪstɪk//ænˌtæɡəˈnɪstɪk/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "antagonistic." It's a tricky one! Here's a phonetic guide and a breakdown:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˌæntaˈɡɑːnɪstɪk/

Pronunciation Breakdown:

  1. an- (aⁿ): Pronounced like the "a" in "ant" – a short, open “ah” sound.

  2. ta- (tə): Pronounced like "ta" – just the "t" sound followed by a short "uh" sound (like in "about").

  3. gon- (ɡɒn): This is the trickiest part.

    • gon: Pronounced like "gone" – with a quick, short "g" sound followed by a “n” sound.
    • i- (ɪ): Short "i" sound, like in "bit."

  4. is- (ɪs): Pronounced like "is" – a short "i" sound.

  5. tic (tɪk): Pronounced like “tick” – short “i” sound as in “it”.

  6. -al (əl): A very short “uh” sound, as in "ball."

  7. -ist (ɪst): Pronounced like "ist" – a short "i" sound, like in "list."

  8. -ic (ɪk): Pronounced like "ick" – short “i” sound.

Putting it all together, it sounds like:

"AN-tuh-GAHN-iss-tick" (with a slightly emphasized "GAHN")

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The main stress is on the third syllable: GAHN - so emphasize that syllable.
  • "gon" sound: Really focus on getting the quick "gon" sound. Don't let it blend into the rest of the word.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to get it right is to hear it! Here are a few resources where you can hear native speakers pronounce it:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a sentence using the word “antagonistic” so you can practice?

Usage and examples with the word antagonistic in English

Let's break down how to use the word "antagonistic." It's a powerful word with a specific meaning, so it’s important to use it correctly.

1. Definition:

"Antagonistic" describes a feeling or state of opposition or hostility. It suggests a deliberate and often persistent effort to clash or be at odds with someone or something. It’s more than just disagreement; it implies active opposition.

2. Parts of Speech:

  • Adjective: This is the most common usage. You’ll use it to describe people, relationships, situations, or ideas.
  • Noun: Less common, but you can use it to refer to the state of antagonism itself (e.g., "The antagonistic atmosphere in the room").

3. How to Use it as an Adjective:

Here are examples with different contexts:

  • Describing People: “Their relationship was characterized by an antagonistic attitude; they constantly argued and criticized each other.” (Here, it describes their behavior and personality.)
  • Describing Relationships: “The antagonistic dynamic between the two teams led to a fierce competition.” (Describes the nature of their interaction.)
  • Describing Situations: “The antagonistic political climate made it difficult to find common ground.” (Describes the overall atmosphere.)
  • Describing Ideas/Beliefs: "The scientist’s antagonistic view of the research challenged the established theory.” (Describes a differing perspective.)

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Hostile
  • Opposing
  • Combative
  • Confrontational
  • Contrary
  • Rancorous
  • Belligerent

5. Examples in Sentences:

  • “The two detectives were antagonistic from the start, each determined to prove the other wrong.”
  • “Despite their differences, they attempted to maintain an antagonistic but professional working relationship.”
  • "The antagonistic rumors spread quickly throughout the company."
  • "The antagonistic force of nature buffeted the ship relentlessly." (Here, it describes a force - wind, waves, etc.)

6. Important Nuances:

  • Intensity: "Antagonistic" implies a certain level of intensity. “Disagreeing” is milder than “antagonistic.”
  • Deliberateness: It suggests that the opposition is chosen or intentional, rather than accidental.

7. How to Avoid Misuse:

  • Don’t overuse it: It’s a strong word. Consider if a simpler word like "opposing" or "disagreeing" is more appropriate.
  • Ensure it fits the context: Make sure it accurately reflects the level of opposition and its nature.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a story, an essay, a description of people?)
  • Can you give me a sentence where you're thinking of using "antagonistic"? I can then help you refine it.

Synonyms for the word antagonistic

Practice with vocabulary antagonistic

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The two political factions held deeply ____________ views on economic policy, making compromise exceptionally difficult.
  2. Achieving ____________ goals requires open communication and mutual respect among team members.
  3. Her ____________ demeanor in meetings made it challenging for colleagues to propose new ideas without fear of immediate pushback.
  4. Despite their ____________ methodologies, both research teams arrived at remarkably similar conclusions.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The prolonged negotiations were stalled due to the ____________ positions of the two competing companies. a) agreeable b) collaborative c) hostile d) antagonistic e) accommodating

  2. His ____________ attitude towards any form of constructive criticism often created tension in team discussions. a) receptive b) combative c) cooperative d) antagonistic e) supportive

  3. The committee struggled to reconcile the ____________ demands from various stakeholders, each prioritizing different outcomes. a) congruent b) unified c) disparate d) consistent e) parallel

  4. Despite their professional roles, an underlying ____________ relationship developed between the two project managers, hindering progress. a) symbiotic b) adversarial c) harmonious d) antagonistic e) conducive

  5. Effective leadership requires the ability to mediate ____________ viewpoints without alienating either side. a) converging b) unanimous c) polarized d) uniform e) concurring

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The two companies were fiercely opposed to each other's market strategies, leading to intense competition. Rewrite using "antagonistic" or a related word form:
  2. Original: His constant opposition to new proposals made collaboration within the department very difficult. Rewrite using "antagonistic" or a related word form:
  3. Original: The team leader managed to defuse the very tense situation between the two employees before it escalated further. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "antagonistic" or its forms):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. antagonistic
  2. shared
  3. antagonistic
  4. divergent

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) hostile, d) antagonistic
  2. b) combative, d) antagonistic
  3. c) disparate
  4. b) adversarial, d) antagonistic
  5. c) polarized

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The two companies adopted an antagonistic stance regarding each other's market strategies, leading to intense competition.
  2. His constant antagonism towards new proposals made collaboration within the department very difficult.
  3. The team leader managed to defuse the very acrimonious situation between the two employees before it escalated further.

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