agonistic adjective. [agǝ'nɪstɪk] M17.
[Late Latin agonisticus from Greek agōnistikos, formed as AGONIST: see -IC.]
1. Pertaining to (orig. ancient Greek) athletic contests or to athletic feats. M17.

2. Rhetoric. Polemic, combative. M17.

3. Striving for effect. M19.

4. Zoology. Of animal behaviour: associated with conflict between individuals. M20.

■ agonistical adjective (now rare) = AGONISTIC 1, 2 M17.

■ agonistically adverb (rare) polemically M19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲