Aggressif

Aggressif is the French adjective meaning aggressive. It is used to describe behavior, attitudes, or strategies that are forceful, confrontational, or prone to attack or domination. The term can apply to people, animals, or actions and is common in everyday language as well as in clinical, social, and political contexts.

In French, aggressif agrees with gender and number: aggressif (masculine singular), agressive (feminine singular), agressifs (masculine plural), agressives (feminine plural). The word functions as a descriptive modifier rather than a noun, with typical phrases such as comportement agressif (aggressive behavior) or attitude agressive (aggressive attitude). While the core meaning is consistent, the tone can range from neutral to negative depending on context and intent.

Usage and nuance: aggressif often carries a strong connotation, indicating forceful or belligerent behavior beyond mere assertiveness. It appears in discussions of psychology, criminology, sports, and diplomacy, where it can describe defensive or offensive tactics as well as hostile or threatening conduct. In some contexts, a deliberately aggressive approach may be framed as strategic or necessary; in others, it may be criticized as excessive or harmful.

Translations and cognates: in other languages, equivalent terms include aggressive (English), aggressivo/aggressiva (Italian/Spanish cognates), and agressivo/agressivo in Portuguese and Italian variants. The French term is part of a broader family of related words used to discuss intensity, conflict, and control in interpersonal or intergroup dynamics.