Truculence
Noun
Definition: The quality or state of being aggressive or fierce in behavior or attitude.
Synonyms: Aggressiveness, Ferocity, Belligerence
Antonyms: Gentleness, Meekness, Docility
- The truculence of the competitor intimidated his opponents.
- The truculence of the protesters escalated the tension in the crowd.
- Think of "truculence" as "true" + "violence", representing the aggression or fierceness.
Etymology:
Late 15th century, from Latin "truculentus", from "truculentus" (trux, truc-) meaning "savage, stern, or fierce".
Historical Usage:The word has been used consistently throughout history to describe aggressive or hostile behavior.
Related Idioms:
"Displaying truculence"
Explanation:Refers to someone showing aggressiveness or hostility in their actions or demeanor.
Misconceptions:
Confusing truculence with arrogance.
Explanation:While truculence can involve a display of hostility or aggression, arrogance implies a sense of superiority or overconfidence. Truculence focuses more on the temperament and behavior rather than an inflated sense of self-importance.