OT: Aggression or Aggressiveness?

[Kibitzer]

Which is preferable when describing the assertive or even hostile behavior of a (usually UConn) player?

Take your pick. Either noun is OK and the adjective "aggressive" is a useful modifier.

What's the difference? A very slight and subtle variation in nuance. Both words share many of the same synonyms that pertain to some act(s) of hostile behavior. Those associated with aggression tend to convey a deliberately mean or malicious intent (e.g., "bellicosity" or "truculence"). OTOH, the ones that relate to aggressiveness come up a tad short in severity (e.g., "feisty" or "pugnacious").

My little research suggests that the choice between aggression and aggressiveness is a pick 'em exercise. I personally prefer the "aggressive/aggressiveness" combo but an "ahem" is not warranted for those who admire acts of aggression.

 

[Sonny44]

I think the difference in connotation is a little stronger than that Kib. Aggression is not appropriate in most sports IMO, except in boxing, wrestling etc.

 

[carpe diem]

The use of "aggression" in regard to Butler's play last night was deliberate in order to underscore that it is within her to play aggressively, something that had been expressed on BY as a element needed in her approach to the game. So the intent in my post was not to imply malicious, but to take poetic license to emphasize a significant point in the BY estimate of her potential value as the UCONN center. I loved seeing her aggressive play.

 

[bags27]

Interesting. I see where Sony's going with this. Aggression suggests (and I think this is how Sonny and I sense it; it may not apply for others) a constant, premeditated mental state that can result, perhaps in intended result, damage, while aggressiveness seems more a foot forward characteristic such as "assertiveness" or "opportunistic" that one employs spontaneously as the circumstances demand. But again, that's my own "sense" of the terms from my own emotional conditioning.

 

[JordyG]

Interesting. I see where Sony's going with this. Aggression suggests (and I think this is how Sonny and I sense it; it may not apply for others) a constant, premeditated mental state that can result, perhaps in intended result, damage, while aggressiveness seems more a foot forward characteristic such as "assertiveness" or "opportunistic" that one employs spontaneously as the circumstances demand. But again, that's my own "sense" of the terms from my own emotional conditioning.

I agree. The lack of situational awareness: Appropriate force, appropriate situation, and understanding the difference. Constant aggression is a psychological issue. Aggressiveness IS competitiveness.

 

[UcMiami]

Interesting, and agree with most who think you underplayed the distinction in usage if not 'dictionary' definition. I think part of it is tied to a very common term used 'act of aggression' which describes the usual initiative action at the start of armed conflict or a physical altercation. 'Aggression' is used to describe a specific action that has taken place, while 'Aggressiveness' is used to describe an attitude, or posture, that might lead to an action.
'Natalie's aggressiveness during the game last night led her to committing an unnecessary foul, that some might have termed an act of aggression toward the ECU player. It also led her to make a few aggressive moves to the hoop including one on which she in turn was fouled - that aggression on the part of the ECU player resulted in Natalie completing a traditional three point play.'