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rebel

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈrɛbəl/

KK: /ˈrɛbəl/

adjective
Definition

Describing someone who opposes authority or control, especially in a political context.


Example

The rebel forces fought against the oppressive regime.


Comparatives & Superlatives

Comparative: more rebel

Superlative: most rebel


Conversation
Sloth A
I read an article about a rebel group fighting for their rights.
Sloth B
That sounds intense! What are they rebelling against?
Sloth A
They're opposing a government that restricts their freedoms.
Sloth B
Wow, it’s important to stand up for what you believe in.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
defiant
insurgent
revolutionary
Antonyms
obedient
submissive
compliant
intransitive verb
Definition

To resist or fight against authority, control, or tradition, often expressing strong disagreement or unwillingness.


Example

Many young people tend to rebel against the rules set by their parents.


Tense Forms

Past: rebelled

Past Participle: rebelled


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever thought about why some people rebel against authority?
Sloth B
Yeah, it’s interesting how often it happens in history.
Sloth A
I think it’s because they feel their voices aren’t being heard.
noun
Definition

A person who resists or fights against authority, control, or tradition.


Example

The rebel led a group of people who wanted to change the government.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about that new student who seems like such a rebel?
Sloth B
Yeah, I saw them wearing a band t-shirt on the first day!
Sloth A
I think it's cool to be a rebel sometimes, it shows personality.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Rebel → It is formed from "re-" (meaning back or again) and "bellare" (meaning to wage war). The word describes someone who wages war against authority or opposes established norms.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is going 'back' ('re-') to 'wage war' ('bellare') against authority — that's why a rebel opposes the established order.

Visually Confused Words
reel
unrebel
relabel
corebel
revel
reuel
repel
refel
Is this page helpful?
Sloth B
Exactly! It’s like they need to stand up for what they believe in.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
resist
defy
oppose
Antonyms
submit
conform
obey
Definitely! It makes school a lot more interesting.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
insurgent
dissenter
nonconformist
Antonyms
follower
supporter
conformist