German word

aggressiv

Pronunciation

IPA/agʁɛˈsiːf/

Meaning

  • adjectiveaggressive

Example

Er wurde aggressiver.

He grew more aggressive.

Illustration for aggressiv (aggressive)

More examples

In der Diskussion wirkte er aggressiv.

In the discussion, he seemed aggressive.

Core concept

A person or approach pushes hard toward a goal, often pressing beyond normal restraint.

Common phrases

  • aggressiv handeln

    act aggressively

  • aggressiv wirken

    seem aggressive

  • aggressiv kommunizieren

    communicate aggressively

Similar words

offensiv: Taking an active, forward-moving approach to achieve a goal.
aufdringlich: Insistently seeking involvement without regard for the other person's feelings.
feindselig: Showing hostility and treating others in a confrontational way.
energisch: Acting with clear determination and vigorous effort.

Definition in German

Kraftvoll und fordernd auftretend; mit energischem, oft drängendem Verhalten, das darauf abzielt, ein Ziel durchzusetzen.

Word origin

German aggressiv is a learned borrowing from Latin aggressivus, derived from aggredi, meaning to approach or attack.

Usage tips

  • In business, marketing, or negotiation, aggressiv can mean forceful or highly competitive rather than physically hostile.

Other meanings

  • belligerentadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Aggressionaggressionnoun
  • Aggressivitätaggressivenessnoun

Word lists with this word