wars
English meaning: Wars
Definition
Organized, large-scale, armed conflict between countries or between national, ethnic, or other sizeable groups, usually involving the engagement of military forces.
Example
“The war was largely between Sunni and Shia militants.”
Another example: “Trade wars between the two nations disrupted the global economy.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Neutral and common; large-scale armed conflicts between nations or groups. Used literally (the world wars) and figuratively (price war, trade war, war on drugs). Plural of 'war'. Frequent in history, news, and politics.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old North French 'werre' (war), of Germanic origin, related to the root of 'worse'; entered English in the 12th century.
Synonyms
- conflicts
- hostilities
- battles
- campaigns
Antonyms / Opposites
- peace
- truces
- armistices
Related Words
Common Collocations
- world wars
- civil wars
- trade wars
- wars and conflicts
- religious wars
- price wars
Word Forms
war (n, sing.); wars (pl.); war (v); warring (adj); warfare (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B