Recalcitrant
rih-KAL-sih-trunt
/rɪˈkælsɪtrənt/
Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline; rebellious.
Emphasizes resistance to orders, rules, or authority figures specifically.
The story behind the word. In Latin, 'recalcitrare' literally meant 'to kick back one's heels', describing a stubborn mule or horse kicking backwards when its owner tried to lead it forward.
Word relationships
- defiant: 'Defiant' implies open, active resistance, whereas 'recalcitrant' can also mean passive, stubborn refusal to comply.
- refractory: 'Refractory' is a technical or formal synonym often used for materials or individuals that resist control.
- submissive: Submissive implies ready obedience to authority.
- docile: Docile describes someone who is easily taught, managed, or led.
Commonly confused with
- Intransigent: Recalcitrant involves resisting authority or rules, whereas intransigent involves refusing to compromise during negotiations.
Word family
- recalcitrance (noun): stubborn resistance to authority or guidance
- recalcitrantly (adverb): in a recalcitrant or rebellious manner
Collocations
- recalcitrant child
- recalcitrant employee
- recalcitrant state
- recalcitrant behavior
Idioms & expressions
- kick against the pricks
- bite the hand that feeds
Example sentences
- "The CEO struggled to deal with recalcitrant board members who rejected every proposed policy change." Corporate governance
- "The recalcitrant student refused to follow classroom rules despite repeated detentions." Educational environment
Memory hook
RE-CALCI-trant: Think of CALCIUM in bone. A horse kicking back its heel bone (calx) against its rider. Kicking back against authority.
When not to use
Do not use for someone who simply holds a firm opinion without disobeying rules or superiors.
Fun facts
- The root 'calx' (heel) is also the root of 'calcify' and 'calculate' (which comes from counting pebbles with the heel of one's hand or using small limestone pebbles).
Explore more words
truculent, intransigence, compliant, defy, truculence, mutiny
Also appears in
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