recalcitrant — having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline
Pronunciation (IPA): /rɪˈkælsɪtrənt/
Example Sentences
- My smartphone became recalcitrant and refused to charge, just like a teenager refusing to clean their room.
- The recalcitrant printer seems to have a personal vendetta against important deadlines.
- The government struggled to manage recalcitrant provinces that refused to implement new policies.
recalcitrant
ADJECTIVE[/rɪˈkælsɪtrənt/]
having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline
The recalcitrant mule refused to move despite the farmer's pulling.
RE(back) + CALC(heel) — when pulled forward, the stubborn horse violently kicked its CALC(heel) RE(back), showing its truly recalcitrant nature.
Ordered by police to move away from the fire hydrant, the illegally parked driver remained completely recalcitrant, locking his doors and refusing to move.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin recalcitrāre, meaning 'to kick back' or 'to resist', derived from re- (back) and calcitrāre (to kick), from calx (heel). The word originally referred to a horse that kicks back against its rider.
Breakdown
re- (back) + calcitr- (kick) + -ant (adjective suffix indicating a tendency or quality) = recalcitrant (one who kicks back/resists)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My smartphone became recalcitrant and refused to charge, just like a teenager refusing to clean their room.”
“The recalcitrant printer seems to have a personal vendetta against important deadlines.”
“The government struggled to manage recalcitrant provinces that refused to implement new policies.”
“Despite multiple warnings, the recalcitrant driver continued to speed through school zones.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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