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'.
GRE Vocabulary — Set 131
Set 131 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: recalcitrance, rapprochement, preponderance, imperviousness, obduracy. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
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'.
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'
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').
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.