Agonistic
adj ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Definitions
- 1 Of or relating to contests that were originally participated in by the Ancient Greeks; athletic.
"These words, with what follow, are for the most part agonistic, referring to the customes of the Grecian exercices, in their games. The words [translated] apprehended, signifie to catch, or apprehend the Crown, that hung over the Goal: so also [the word translated] perfect, is an Agonistic word that signifies the being crowned, or receiving the reward:"
- 2 Characterised by conflict or hostility.
"Although most agonistic interactions consist of signals of threat and submission, symbolic aggression is effective only because the possibility of escalation exists […]"
- 3 Argumentative; combative. rhetoric
"Sharply Frank said, “A place like this is a crimp in your plan, isn’t it?” Boone’s gaze returned to him. The surrounding crowd slipped away, sensing the agonistic nature of the exchange."
- 4 Struggling to achieve an effect; strained and contrived.
- 5 Pertaining to an agonist.
- 1 struggling for effect wordnet
- 2 striving to overcome in argument wordnet
- 3 of or relating to the athletic contests held in ancient Greece wordnet
Antonyms
All antonymsExample
More examples"These words, with what follow, are for the most part agonistic, referring to the customes of the Grecian exercices, in their games. The words [translated] apprehended, signifie to catch, or apprehend the Crown, that hung over the Goal: so also [the word translated] perfect, is an Agonistic word that signifies the being crowned, or receiving the reward:"
Etymology
From Ancient Greek ἀγωνιστικός (agōnistikós).
Related phrases
More for "agonistic"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.