fighting
fighting — noun
1. a situation in which people or groups use physical force against each other, esp
a situation in which people or groups use physical force against each other, especially during a war, a battle, or a violent argument between individuals or gangs.
The fighting between the two groups lasted for days before the leaders called a ceasefire.
collocation: fighting between [groups]
Heavy fighting was reported in the capital as government forces took back the city.
collocation: heavy fighting
After weeks of fighting, the rebel army finally took control of the northern region.
The fighting left hundreds of families without homes or access to clean water.
Kian's grandmother rarely spoke about the street fighting she witnessed in her hometown during the war.
- peace
a state without fighting or war
用法筆記
Uncountable — do not add -s. You cannot say 'fightings'.
常見錯誤
fighting — adjective
1. showing a strong readiness to argue, compete, or physically fight with others, o
showing a strong readiness to argue, compete, or physically fight with others, often as a part of someone's character or mood — describes a person's attitude, nature, or behaviour rather than actual combat.
Ayana has a fighting attitude that makes her a tough opponent in every debate.
collocation: fighting attitude / nature
With fighting spirit in its eyes, the little dog bravely faced the much larger stranger.
collocation: fighting spirit
The team's fighting attitude helped them win the championship against all odds.
Asher's fighting stance showed he was ready to defend himself if necessary.
The cat's fighting nature came out when a stranger entered the garden at night.
- aggressive
stronger, can imply hostility; 'fighting' is slightly less negative
- combative
formal; suggests a habit of arguing or fighting
用法筆記
Distinguish from adjective sense 2 (COMBAT-READY): sense 2 describes military readiness; this sense describes personal character or mood. Both are used only before a noun.
常見錯誤
2. designed, trained, or ready to take part in combat or military operations — desc
designed, trained, or ready to take part in combat or military operations — describes soldiers, equipment, or groups that are prepared for physical battle.
The general ordered the fighting units to move closer to the front line.
collocation: fighting unit / force
Caio's fighting battalion was among the first units to reach the front line.
collocation: fighting battalion / unit
The country has reduced its number of active fighting aircraft to save money.
These troops are among the most experienced fighting forces the nation has ever produced.
The navy sent its best fighting ships to patrol the southern coast.
- combat-ready
more specific; implies full preparation for battle
- battle-hardened
implies experience from past fighting, not just training
- non-combat
describing roles or equipment not meant for fighting
用法筆記
Used mainly before a noun (attributive position). You cannot say 'The soldier is fighting' to mean 'ready to fight' — that would be read as the verb form.