Which term best describes someone inclined to quarrel or fight?

Which term best describes someone inclined to quarrel or fight?

• A. Pugnacious
• B. Desultory
• C. Exigent
• D. Convivial

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is describing someone who is combative and ready to quarrel. Pugnacious captures that attitude precisely, signaling a tendency to fight or argue and a willingness to push back aggressively. The root pugn- comes from Latin pugnare, meaning “to fight,” which helps remember why this term fits. Desultory means aimless or intermittent, not focused or connected. Exigent means urgent or requiring immediate action. Convivial describes sociable, friendly behavior. None of these convey the sense of being inclined to quarrel like pugnacious does. For example, a pugnacious person might challenge others at the slightest provocation, whereas the others describe different kinds of situations or temperaments.

The main idea here is describing someone who is combative and ready to quarrel. Pugnacious captures that attitude precisely, signaling a tendency to fight or argue and a willingness to push back aggressively. The root pugn- comes from Latin pugnare, meaning “to fight,” which helps remember why this term fits.

Desultory means aimless or intermittent, not focused or connected. Exigent means urgent or requiring immediate action. Convivial describes sociable, friendly behavior. None of these convey the sense of being inclined to quarrel like pugnacious does. For example, a pugnacious person might challenge others at the slightest provocation, whereas the others describe different kinds of situations or temperaments.