Spanish word

bélico

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbeliko/

Meaning

  • adjectivemilitary

Example

El discurso fue bélico.

The speech had a military tone.

Illustration for bélico (military)

More examples

No seas tan bélico al hablar de política.

Don't be so belligerent when talking about politics.

Core concept

Matters of war.

Common phrases

  • lenguaje bélico

    belligerent language

  • retórica bélica

    belligerent rhetoric

Similar words

militar: Relating to the armed forces or military institutions.
belicoso: Having a combative, warlike attitude that favors fighting.
armado: Equipped with weapons or carrying arms.
hostil: Displaying an unfriendly, antagonistic, or aggressive attitude.

Definition in Spanish

Describe algo relacionado con la guerra o con operaciones y asuntos militares.

Word origin

Built from Latin bellum 'war' via bellicus plus the relational suffix -ico, Spanish bélico denotes things connected with war or armed operations.

Usage tips

  • English belligerent or bellicose do not map directly to bélico when describing a person, because Spanish favors belicoso for personal aggressiveness.

Other meanings

  • belligerentadjective
  • combativeadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • belicosowarlikeadjective

Word lists with this word