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Recalcitrant: companion reading notes
Recalcitrant (adjective): Stubbornly unwilling to obey, cooperate or accept direction.
How to use it
The word usually expresses criticism. A person who asks a reasonable question is not necessarily recalcitrant. Describe the refusal and its context instead of treating all disagreement as disobedience.
Examples to practise aloud
- The recalcitrant committee member refused to follow the agreed procedure.
- Several recalcitrant students ignored repeated instructions to begin.
Check your understanding
Does polite disagreement alone make someone recalcitrant?
Check your answer
No. Recalcitrant suggests stubborn resistance to authority or cooperation, not merely a different opinion.
Make it your own
Choose one example above and change its situation while keeping the meaning of recalcitrant. Say your new sentence aloud, then check the word form and tone against the usage note.
Turn watching into practice
- Listen for a word or phrase you want to learn. Pause and repeat it aloud.
- Write its meaning in your own words, then replay to check your understanding.
- Create a sentence about your own life. Say it aloud without looking at your notes.