Learn a Word Daily — Recalcitrant
Your Word of the Day — Recalcitrant: definition, nuance, usage & audio.
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Word of the Day · December 10, 2025
Recalcitrant
ri-KAL-si-truhnt · adjective
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Definition
- Stubbornly resistant to authority or control.
- Difficult to manage or operate.
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Origin & Etymology
From Latin recalcitrare “to kick back.”
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Nuance
Stronger than “reluctant”; implies defiance.
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Usage
“A recalcitrant valve kept stalling the line.”
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Fun Fact
Shares root with “calf” (as in kicking).
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