adj.
Pronunciation: ˌ a-g ə - ' nis-tik
Function: adjective
Date: 1648
1 : of or relating to the athletic contests of ancient Greece
2 : ARGUMENTATIVE
3 : striving for effect : STRAINED
4 : of, relating to, or being aggressive or defensive social interaction (as fighting, fleeing, or submitting) between individuals usually of the same species
– ag · o · nis · ti · cal · ly \ -ti-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb