The
adjective form of belligerent means hostile, or inclined to fight. It can also apply to a group (e.g.
belligerent nation) involved in a war.
The
noun belligerent is from the second definition: it is a group, or especially a country, that is actively fighting in a war. The US belatedly became a
belligerent in both World Wars, after actual conflict had been underway for some time.
* NOTE - there are homophones (sound-alike words) connected to belligerent.
- belligerents - the plural of belligerent, one or more fighting factions
- belligerence - general hostility or fighting, or acts that indicate hostility
A person may be
belligerent, because he displays
belligerence.