antagonistical
|an-tag-o-nis-ti-cal|
/ænˌtæɡəˈnɪstɪkəl/
opposing; hostile
Etymology
'antagonistical' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'antagonistes', where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'agon-' (from 'agōn') meant 'contest' or 'struggle'.
'antagonistical' developed via Late Latin/Medieval Latin forms such as 'antagonisticus' and the adjective 'antagonistic' in English; the longer variant 'antagonistical' emerged as an alternative adjectival form.
Initially related to an 'opponent' or 'contestant' ('one who struggles against'), over time the sense broadened to describe attitudes, forces, or behaviors that are opposing or hostile.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
showing antagonism; hostile, opposing, or unfriendly toward someone or something.
Her antagonistical remarks made further discussion difficult.
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Adjective 2
formally or stylistically used to describe behavior, attitudes, or forces that create opposition or conflict (slightly more formal or old-fashioned than 'antagonistic').
The policy had an antagonistical effect on relations between the groups.
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Last updated: 2025/08/20 11:52