How Do You Spell RECALCITRANT?

Pronunciation: [ɹɪkˈalsɪtɹənt] (IPA)

The word "recalcitrant" (/rɪˈkælsɪtrənt/) is a challenging word when it comes to spelling. The initial "re" can be misleading, causing the writer to add an extra "r." The "c" and "s" sounds can also cause confusion, leading to misspellings such as "reconfigrant." The key is to remember that the stress falls on the second syllable and that the word is spelled with one "r" and one "c." With practice and attention to detail, anyone can master the spelling of this complex word.

RECALCITRANT Meaning and Definition

  1. Recalcitrant is an adjective that describes someone or something that is defiant, rebellious, or resistant to authority, control, or guidance. It refers to individuals or groups who stubbornly refuse to comply with rules, regulations, or expectations. This term typically implies a strong opposition or a persistent refusal to change one's behavior or attitude, often in a way that creates difficulty or frustration for others.

    In a social context, a recalcitrant person exhibits a stubborn and unyielding attitude towards authority figures or societal norms. This defiance can manifest itself through overt acts of disobedience, open resistance, or simply an unwillingness to conform. This stubbornness often stems from a deep-rooted sense of independence or a desire to assert autonomy.

    Recalcitrant can also describe objects or substances that are difficult to work with or resistant to treatment, modification, or control. For instance, in a medical context, a recalcitrant disease or condition refers to one that is stubbornly unresponsive to treatment despite repeated attempts to cure or manage it.

    Overall, whether referring to people or objects, recalcitrant connotes resistance, defiance, and an uncooperative nature, conveying the idea of challenging authority or refusing to follow established norms or procedures.

  2. Rebellious.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for RECALCITRANT *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for RECALCITRANT

Etymology of RECALCITRANT

The word "recalcitrant" originated from Latin, with its roots traced back to the words "re" meaning "back" or "again", and "calcitrare" meaning "to kick". The Latin term "recalcitrare" referred to the act of kicking back or resisting. Over time, the word was adapted into French as "recalcitrant", retaining the meaning of resistance or refusal to obey. In English, the term was borrowed from French in the early 19th century and has since been used to describe someone or something that is stubbornly disobedient or resistant to authority or control.

Similar spelling words for RECALCITRANT

Plural form of RECALCITRANT is RECALCITRANTS

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