Definition
Contumacious refers to someone who is stubbornly disobedient or rebellious, refusing to follow orders or conform to authority.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
Rebellious, defiant, insubordinate, disobedient, recalcitrant, obstinate
Antonyms
Compliant, obedient, submissive, docile, conforming
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | contumacy, contumacies |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | contumacious |
| Adverb | contumaciously |
Example Sentences
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The contumacious employee refused to follow company policy, causing conflict with management.
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The contumacious teenager refused to listen to her parents and snuck out of the house.
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The contumacious inmate continued to break the rules and cause trouble in the prison.
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The contumacious political dissident refused to stop speaking out against the government, despite threats of imprisonment.
Usage
The word “contumacious” is often used to describe individuals who are disobedient or rebellious, particularly in the context of authority or rules. This type of behavior can be frustrating or challenging for those in positions of power or those trying to enforce rules or regulations.
The root of the word “contumacious” is “contumacy”, which refers to a stubborn resistance to authority or refusal to obey orders. The word is often used in legal contexts, particularly in relation to contempt of court, where a contumacious individual refuses to follow a court order or interferes with the administration of justice.
There are a few variations of the word “contumacious” that can be used to modify its meaning or tone. For example, the prefix “dis-” can be added to create the word “discontumacious”, which implies a lack of disobedience or rebellion. Similarly, the suffix “-ness” can be added to create the word “contumaciousness”, which refers to the state or quality of being contumacious.
In conclusion, the word “contumacious” is often used to describe individuals who are stubbornly disobedient or rebellious, particularly in the context of authority or rules. Its root, “contumacy”, refers to a stubborn resistance to authority or refusal to obey orders. The word is often used in legal contexts, particularly in relation to contempt of court. Its variations provide a way to modify its meaning or tone. This type of behavior can be frustrating or challenging for those in positions of power or those trying to enforce rules or regulations.