Basic Details
Word: Recalcitrant
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Stubbornly refusing to obey rules or orders.
Synonyms: Obdurate, uncooperative, defiant
Antonyms: Compliant, obedient, cooperative
Idioms and Phrases
- Recalcitrant student: A student who does not follow instructions. Example: "The teacher found it challenging to manage the recalcitrant student during class."
- Recalcitrant mule: A stubborn or obstinate person. Example: "He was as stubborn as a recalcitrant mule when it came to taking advice from his peers."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The recalcitrant puppy refused to sit despite many attempts to train him.
Example 2: Her recalcitrant behaviour in the meeting frustrated the team leader.
Example 3: Some recalcitrant students prefer to talk rather than listen during lessons.
Fun Fact
The word "recalcitrant" comes from the Latin word "recalcitrare," which means "to kick back"a fitting origin for a word used to describe someone who resists authority!
Famous Quote
"It is not enough to be compliant; we must seek to be recalcitrant against injustice." (Unknown)
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "recalcitrant" mean?
a) Very friendly
b) Stubbornly refusing to obey
c) Very helpful
d) Calm and relaxed
Answer: b) Stubbornly refusing to obey
2. Which of these is a synonym of "recalcitrant"?
a) Cooperative
b) Defiant
c) Helpful
d) Agreeable
Answer: b) Defiant
3. Which of these is an antonym of "recalcitrant"?
a) Uncooperative
b) Obdurate
c) Compliant
d) Defiant
Answer: c) Compliant
4. Which sentence uses "recalcitrant" correctly?
a) The recalcitrant child followed all the instructions given by the teacher.
b) He was recalcitrant in doing what was told, often looking for loopholes.
c) It is fun to have a recalcitrant pet that obeys all commands.
d) The recalcitrant cloud drifted happily in the sky.
Answer: b) He was recalcitrant in doing what was told, often looking for loopholes.
5. Which idiom refers to a "recalcitrant" person?
a) As good as gold
b) Recalcitrant student
c) A worm in the apple
d) The early bird catches the worm
Answer: b) Recalcitrant student
