Definition

A quality of being aggressive, fierce, or eager to fight; a tendency to be combative or hostile.

Example

His truculency made it difficult for him to maintain friendships.

Conversation

Did you notice how much truculency there was in their argument yesterday?

Yeah, it was pretty intense!

I wonder if they’ll ever be able to resolve their differences.

I hope so, but that level of truculency makes it hard to see eye to eye.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Truculency is derived from "truculentus" (meaning fierce or savage) in Latin, which itself comes from "trux" (meaning rough or savage). The suffix "-ency" (meaning the quality of) indicates a state or condition. Thus, truculency refers to the quality of being fierce or aggressive.

Memory Tip

Think of 'truculent' meaning fierce or savage, and remember that 'truculency' describes the quality of being fierce.

Visually Confused Words