Recalcitrant Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˌrɛkˈælkɪltrənt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

A person or thing that is stubbornly resistant to control or authority; unruly, disobedient, or rebellious.

Examples

• The recalcitrant child was refusing to listen to his parents.
• The team struggled to manage the recalcitrant horse during the competition.

Synonyms

• Stubborn
• Uncooperative
• Rebellious

Antonyms

• Obedient
• Compliant
• Submissive

Etymology

The word “Recalcitrant” originated from the Latin “recalcitrare”, meaning “to kick back” or “to resist”. It entered the English language in the 17th century.

Additional Information

Recalcitrant individuals or things often require special handling or management to mitigate their unruly behavior. This word is often used in various contexts, including education, psychology, and animal training.

In some cases, recalcitrance can be a valuable trait, as it can indicate a person’s unwillingness to conform to norms or societal expectations, leading to innovation and progress. However, in other situations, it can cause problems and conflicts.

Usage Notes

To use the word “Recalcitrant” accurately, it’s essential to understand the context in which it’s being used. The word can be applied to people, animals, or objects that exhibit unruly behavior.

Cultural References

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “Recalcitrant” are:

• A recalcitrant attitude
• To take a recalcitrant stance
• A recalcitrant individual

Related Words or Phrases

Some related words or phrases that are closely related in meaning or usage to “Recalcitrant” are:

• Stubborn
• Defiant
• Lawless

Collocations

Some common word collocations with the word “Recalcitrant” are:

• Recalcitrant child
• Recalcitrant employee
• Recalcitrant horse

Frequency of Use

The word “Recalcitrant” is relatively uncommon in modern language, but it is still used in various contexts, particularly in education, psychology, and animal training.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of the word “Recalcitrant” are:

• Recalicitant
• Recalictrant
• Recaltitant