Recalcitrant Meaning in English
word
ɹɪˈkæɫsɪtɹənt
ri-KAL-si-truhnt
ɹɪkˈælsɪtɹənt
ri-KAL-si-truhnt
Definition
Someone or something that stubbornly resists authority or refuses to obey rules or orders.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and literary; often describes people or groups resisting authority, rules, or discipline. Commonly used for children, employees, animals, or any defiant behavior. Stronger and more formal than 'stubborn' or 'disobedient.' Rare in everyday speech.
Spanish: recalcitrante - desafiantePortuguese (BR): recalcitrante - rebeldePortuguese (PT): recalcitrante - rebeldeChinese (Simplified): 顽抗的 - 桀骜不驯的Chinese (Traditional): 頑抗的 - 桀驁不馴的Hindi: आज्ञा न मानने वाला - हठीArabic: عنيد - متمردBengali: উদ্দণ্ড - অবাধ্য - বেয়াদবRussian: непокорный - строптивый - упрямыйJapanese: 強情な - 反抗的なVietnamese: ngoan cố - chống đốiKorean: 완강한 - 반항적인Turkish: inatçı - dikbaşlı - itaatsizUrdu: سرکش - نافرمانIndonesian: keras kepala - membangkang - bandel
Example Sentences
The recalcitrant student refused to do his homework.
basic
The dog was recalcitrant and would not listen to commands.
basic
Sometimes, children can be recalcitrant at bedtime.
basic
He’s always been a recalcitrant employee, questioning every rule.
natural
Negotiating with recalcitrant politicians can be exhausting.
natural
Despite several warnings, the committee remained recalcitrant.
natural