AGONISTIC Definition Meaning - Merriam-Webster From physical conflict to verbal jousting, agonistic came to be used as a synonym for argumentative and later to mean "striving for effect" or "strained "
Agonistic - definition of agonistic by The Free Dictionary 1 combative; striving to overcome in argument 2 straining for effect: agonistic humor 3 of or pertaining to ancient Greek athletic contests 4 pertaining to a behavioral response to an aggressive encounter, as attack or appeasement
American Heritage Dictionary Entry: agonistic Of or relating to an agonist 2 Striving to overcome in argument; combative: "In the far more consequential world of business and finance pretensions of youthful vigor and agonistic prowess reign supreme" (Theodore Roszack) 3 Of or relating to contests, originally those of the ancient Greeks 4