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streitbar

pugnacious, combative, argumentative

adjective SHTRITE-bar Rare
Mind & Emotions Attitudes

Also means

controversially outspoken (in a positive sense)

Usage Note

streitbar originally meant 'capable of fighting' (archaic) but today means either combatively argumentative (negative) or — especially in intellectual contexts — boldly willing to take controversial stands (ein streitbarer Geist, 'a combative intellectual'). The positive sense is common in journalism.

Examples

"Er war ein streitbarer Intellektueller, der kein Blatt vor den Mund nahm."

Natural Translation

He was a combative intellectual who never pulled his punches.

Literal Translation

He was a combative intellectual who put no leaf before the mouth.

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