This word is my friend. We’ve known each other a very long time.
recalcitrant (re·cal·ci·trant): / ri KAL si truhnt /
adjective
(1) resisting control or authority; obstinately defiant of restraint; stubbornly disobedient or noncompliant
(2) difficult to manage, operate, deal with, handle, or treat
noun
(1) someone who adamantly or stubbornly resists control or authority; a recalcitrant person
[From Latin recalcitrant-, stem of recalcitrans meaning “to be stubbornly disobedient,” the present participle of recalcitrare meaning “to kick back” (used in reference to horses), from calcitrare meaning “to kick (with the heels),” from calc-, derivative of calx meaning “heel.”]
Usage: [via] I believe George Bush proffered the forced resignation of Donald Rumsfeld to show he finally heard the recalcitrant voice of the American people.
Related
Why be mundane and offer something when you can take it a step further? proffer (prof·fer): / PROF er / verb (1) to hold something out for acceptance; to offer, present, or tender (2) to propose something noun (1) something offered for consideration; a proposal or offer (2) the act…
November 9, 2006
Similar post
Can you name one or more people who can thusly be described? obstreperous (ob·strep·er·ous): / uhb STREP er uhs / adjective (1) stubbornly resistant to control or restraint; unruly (2) characterized by aggressive or noisy boisterousness; clamorous [From Latin obstreperus meaning "clamorous, rattling against," from obstrepere meaning "to clamor against,…
April 16, 2007
Similar post
Although I have on many occasions used this word to describe others, I too have been so labeled. You decide. obdurate (ob·du·rate): / OB doo rit / adjective (1) stubborn; unyielding; resistant to influence or persuasion (2) not easily moved by pity; hard-hearted; unfeeling or uncaring (3) stubbornly resistant to…
January 5, 2007
Similar post