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recalcitrant
/rɪˈkæl.sɪ.trənt/
stubbornly resistant
The recalcitrant employee refused to follow the new company policy.
The stubborn worker actively resisted the change in rules.
formal
Stubbornly resistant to authority, control, or guidance.
The recalcitrant teenager argued with his parents about every rule.
The defiant young person challenged parental authority persistently.
The recalcitrant witness refused to cooperate with the investigation.
The uncooperative person deliberately obstructed the legal process.
Often implies passive resistance rather than active rebellion. Commonly used in legal, educational, or workplace contexts.
Collocations
recalcitrant behavioractions showing stubborn resistancerecalcitrant attitudea mindset that refuses to complyrecalcitrant childa young person who refuses to obey rules
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing
While 'recalcitrant' sounds sophisticated, it can sound overly dramatic for minor conflicts. Reserve it for serious cases of defiance.
Gold Rule
Formal register only
Use 'recalcitrant' in writing or professional speech. Replace with 'stubborn' or 'difficult' in casual conversation.
Word Origin
From Latin *recalcitrare* meaning 'to kick back' (from *re-* 'back' + *calcitrare* 'to kick'), originally describing a horse kicking back its heels. The figurative sense of resisting authority emerged in the 17th century.
Usage Notes
Primarily used in formal contexts (legal, academic, or professional) to describe persistent resistance. Avoid using for mild disagreements—implies deliberate defiance.
Word Breakdown
re-
back/against
prefixcalcitrare
to kick
root-ant
performing an action
suffixEnglish Dictionary