What does "agonistic" mean?
Of or relating to contests that were originally participated in by the Ancient Greeks; athletic.
Agonistic
/aɡəˈnɪstɪk/ adj
adj ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Of or relating to contests that were originally participated in by the Ancient Greeks; athletic.
- Grammar: agonistic is listed as adj.
- Nearest alternatives: agonistical, athletic, combative, sporting.
- Usage evidence: 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:
How to use "agonistic"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "agonistic" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "agonistic" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "agonistic" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "agonistic" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "agonistic" is acting as adj in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "agonistical" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "agonistic", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Adjective
- 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.
Adjective
- 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
Example
"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:"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "agonistic"?
Common synonyms include: agonistical, athletic, combative, sporting, strained.
How do you use "agonistic" in a sentence?
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:
How do you pronounce "agonistic"?
Pronounced /aɡəˈnɪstɪk/.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek ἀγωνιστικός (agōnistikós).