Which word means eager or quick to argue or fight?

Which word means eager or quick to argue or fight?

• A. Pugnacious
• B. Diffident
• C. Caustic
• D. Exigent

Answer: (A)

Pugnacious describes someone who is eager or quick to argue or fight. It conveys a combative, quarrelsome temperament—the tendency to challenge others or jump into disputes rather than back away. The word traces to a root meaning to fight, which helps you remember its sense of leaning toward confrontation. In context, you might say a pugnacious debater routinely backs opponents into corners with ready retorts. Diffident means lacking self-confidence or being shy and uncertain, not inclined to argue. Caustic describes a sharp, biting, hurtful tone or sarcasm, which can provoke others but isn’t about a readiness to fight. Exigent means urgent or requiring immediate action, unrelated to arguing or fighting.

Pugnacious describes someone who is eager or quick to argue or fight. It conveys a combative, quarrelsome temperament—the tendency to challenge others or jump into disputes rather than back away. The word traces to a root meaning to fight, which helps you remember its sense of leaning toward confrontation. In context, you might say a pugnacious debater routinely backs opponents into corners with ready retorts.

Diffident means lacking self-confidence or being shy and uncertain, not inclined to argue. Caustic describes a sharp, biting, hurtful tone or sarcasm, which can provoke others but isn’t about a readiness to fight. Exigent means urgent or requiring immediate action, unrelated to arguing or fighting.