5 syllables: An, tag, on, is, tic. Stress on is.
an-tag-uh-NIS-tik
/æˌntæɡəˈnɪstɪk/
Antagonistic is pronounced an-tag-uh-NIS-tik (/æˌntæɡəˈnɪstɪk/). It has five syllables (An-tag-on-is-tic), with the stress on "is". Antagonistic is an adjective describing an opposing or hostile attitude, stance, or behavior. It often characterizes actions, relationships, or forces that actively resist or undermine another party, sometimes in a competitive or adversarial context. The term can imply deliberate conflict or antagonism rather than mere disagreement.
adjectiveAntagonistic is an adjective describing an opposing or hostile attitude, stance, or behavior. It often characterizes actions, relationships, or forces that actively resist or undermine another party, sometimes in a competitive or adversarial context. The term can imply deliberate conflict or antagonism rather than mere disagreement.
"Her antagonistic remarks during the meeting polarized the room."
"The two scientists adopted antagonistic stances, each defending their rival hypothesis."
"A long history of antagonistic interactions has shaped their cautious collaboration."
You say it as /ˌæn.təˈɡæn.ɪs.tɪk/. Primary stress falls on the third syllable -gan-, with a secondary stress on the first? Actually, the main stress is on the third syllable: an-tuh-GAN-iss-tik. Break it into four syllables: an-ta-GAN-is-tic. Pay attention to the -gan- sound as /ɡæn/ and finish with /ɪk/. For an audio reference, search Pronounce or Forvo entry for antagonistic.
Common errors: (1) Misplacing stress by stressing the first or last syllable instead of the third: say an-tuh-GAN-iss-tik. (2) Slurring the middle /ɡæ-/ into a simple /ɡə/ or /ɡæ/ without a clear /æ/ vowel. (3) Ending with a weak /tɪk/ instead of a crisp /tɪk/. Correction tips: emphasize /ˈɡæn/ as a strong syllable, use a steady /t/ release before /ɪk/, and keep the t-k consonants distinct.
US: rhotic, with clear /ɹ/ only if included; main vowels ~ /æ/ in an-tə-GAN-ɪ-stɪk. UK: similar, but vowel quality in /æ/ and /ɪ/ can be tighter; non-rhotic tendency typically, but /ɹ/ is not pronounced. AU: similar to US but with broader vowels and slight vowel height differences; the final -tɪk/ often remains crisp, with less vowel reduction in the middle syllable. IPA references aid accuracy.
It presents multiple phonetic challenges: a stressed, mid-to-high front vowel in /æ/ that must be crisp; a cluster /ɡən/ requiring a linking /ən/ without swallowing the n; and the final /tɪk/ must be released clearly after a short /ɪ/. The sequence an-ta-GAN-is-tik requires balanced articulation across four syllables and precise timing of the primary stress on the third syllable to avoid sounding ridge-like or staccato.
Yes: the -gan- nucleus is a key anchor. Don’t flinch to a schwa in that syllable; keep a clear /æ/ quality. Ensure the /t/ before the final -ɪk is unreleased or lightly released, but not swallowed. Also mind the rhythm: avoid a heavy beat on the first two syllables; keep the pace steady so the third syllable carries the weight and the final /tɪk/ lands crisply.
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- US: rhotic, may have slightly broader /æ/ and more pronounced /ɹ/ in connected speech; UK: non-rhotic, vowels a bit tighter, keep /æ/ distinct; AU: vowel heights can shift, blend US and UK tendencies with a clear /æ/ and a crisp /tɪk/. IPA notes help guide tongue position; keep lips neutral to avoid rounded vowels during /æ/.
Antagonistic comes from the prefix anti- meaning against, plus -agonist from Greek agonistes (contestant, fighter), from agein (to lead) and agon (contest, struggle). In classical Greek, antagonistes referred to one who contends against another in a contest or battle, often used for opponents in athletic, rhetorical, or dramatic contexts. The Latinized form antagonistic emerged in English during the 16th–17th centuries as scholars and writers extended the term to describe relationships or behaviors that actively oppose or resist something or someone. Over time, its usage broadened beyond physical combat to describe interpersonal dynamics (oppositional attitudes, competing forces), and finally to abstract domains like ideas, policies, or mechanisms that counter or hinder another entity. The suffix -istic attaches to adjectives to form indicating a characteristic or tendency, so antagonistic literally means possessing or showing antagonism. First known uses appear in early modern English medical, philosophical, and literary texts, with increasing frequency as discussions of conflict and opposition diversified across disciplines.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Antagonistic" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Antagonistic" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Antagonistic"
-tic sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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