Definition

Stubbornly refusing to obey rules or authority.

Example

The contumacious student repeatedly ignored the teacher's instructions.

Conversation

Did you hear about Tom's project?

Yeah, I heard he was quite contumacious about following the guidelines.

Right? It's like he enjoys being difficult sometimes.

Definitely! But I guess that's just his rebellious nature.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Contumacious → It is formed from "contumacia" (meaning stubbornness or disobedience) and the suffix "-ous" (meaning full of). The word describes someone who is full of stubbornness or rebelliousness, particularly in defiance of authority.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'full of' ('-ous') 'stubbornness' ('contumacia') — that's why contumacious means being rebellious or disobedient.

Visually Confused Words