Recalcitrantly describes acting in a stubbornly disobedient and uncooperative manner. It implies a resistance to authority, guidance, or control. This behavior often stems from a strong will, a refusal to conform, or a deep-seated opposition to a perceived imposition. The individual exhibiting recalcitrance is unwilling to yield or submit, often causing friction or difficulty. The behavior can manifest in various ways, from passive resistance to outright defiance, and can apply to people, animals, or even systems or materials. This characteristic often involves a deliberate choice to defy expectations.
Recalcitrantly meaning with examples
- The horse, known for its stubborn nature, refused to enter the trailer, kicking and snorting recalcitrantly. The trainer, accustomed to such behavior, patiently persisted, knowing that force would only solidify the animal's defiance. The scene illustrated the raw power of untamed will, highlighting the animal's obstinate refusal to cooperate, despite the owner's calm demeanor.
- Despite repeated warnings from the teacher, the student continued to disrupt the class, answering questions recalcitrantly and refusing to complete assigned tasks. His actions disrupted the flow of learning for others. His parents were notified and the headmaster had a meeting with him. Eventually the parents had to find a different institution as all attempts to assist proved futile.
- The government attempted to implement new environmental regulations, but many companies resisted recalcitrantly, arguing the rules would damage their profits. Despite widespread condemnation, the oil industry remained recalcitrant, using lobbyists and public relations campaigns to fight against the new proposed laws. This struggle underscored the tension between economic interests and public good.
- After the initial attempt at merging their data, the old servers began to function recalcitrantly, crashing at unpredictable times. The IT team had to rebuild the system and completely transfer all the old data over. The resulting frustration from the situation was palpable as each person in the company felt the effects of the downed system and slow computers. The merger hit a major roadblock.