What is the meaning of "belligerent"?

The term "belligerent" refers to a state of being hostile, aggressive, or combative. It is often used to describe individuals or nations that are eager to engage in conflict or warfare. When someone is described as belligerent, it indicates a tendency toward confrontation rather than cooperation or peace. This aligns perfectly with the choice that defines belligerent as "combative and aggressive." In contrast, the other choices describe characteristics that are friendly, charitable, or careless, which do not capture the essence of a belligerent attitude. Thus, the understanding of "belligerent" as combative and aggressive accurately reflects its usage in both everyday language and more formal contexts.