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recalcitrance

noun/rɪˈkæl.sɪ.trəns/

definition

stubborn resistance to authority or control

example

The teacher struggled to maintain order in the classroom due to the students' recalcitrance towards following the rules.

synonyms
defianceresistanceobstinacy
word origin — The word 'recalcitrance' originates from the Latin 'recalcitrant-', which is the present participle of 'recalcitrare', meaning 'to kick back' or 'to be unmanageable'.

recalcitrance, rapprochement, preponderance, imperviousness, obduracy: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 131. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. recalcitrance · noun/rɪˈkæl.sɪ.trəns/

    stubborn resistance to authority or control

    The teacher struggled to maintain order in the classroom due to the students' recalcitrance towards following the rules.

    Synonyms: defiance, resistance, obstinacy

    Origin: The word 'recalcitrance' originates from the Latin 'recalcitrant-', which is the present participle of 'recalcitrare', meaning 'to kick back' or 'to be unmanageable'.

  2. rapprochement · noun/ræˌproʊʃˈmɑ̃/

    an establishment or resumption of harmonious relations

    The recent rapprochement between the two countries has opened doors for economic collaboration and cultural exchange.

    Synonyms: reconciliation, liaison, agreement

    Origin: French, from 'rapprocher' meaning 'to bring closer'

  3. preponderance · noun/prɪˈpɑndərəns/

    the quality or state of being greater in number, influence, or importance

    In the debate, the preponderance of evidence clearly supported the defendant’s claims.

    Synonyms: dominance, prevalence, superiority

    Origin: Late Middle English, from Latin 'praeponderantia', meaning 'to weigh more' (from 'prae-' meaning 'before' + 'ponderare' meaning 'to weigh').

  4. imperviousness · noun/ɪmˈpɜrvɪəsnəs/

    the quality of being unable to be affected or penetrated

    Her imperviousness to criticism allowed her to pursue her goals without distraction.

    Synonyms: impenetrability, impermeability, invulnerability

    Origin: from Latin 'impervius' meaning 'not passable', where 'in-' means 'not' and 'pervius' means 'pervious or passable'

  5. obduracy · noun/ˈɑbdjʊrəsi/

    stubborn refusal to change one's opinion or course of action

    Despite numerous pleas from his friends, his obduracy regarding the decision to quit his job left everyone frustrated.

    Synonyms: stubbornness, obstinacy, inflexibility

    Origin: from Latin 'obduratus', the past participle of 'obdurare', meaning 'to harden against'