defiant

/dɪˈfaɪənt/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈfaɪənt/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈfī-ənt dē-/ (ame, mw)

defiant — adjective

  • defiantpositive
  • more defiantcomparative
  • most defiantsuperlative

1. showing that you openly refuse to accept someone's authority or follow their rul

1.形容詞B2
釋義

showing that you openly refuse to accept someone's authority or follow their rules, often with a proud or bold attitude, even when you know there may be negative consequences.

例句

The defiant teenager crossed her arms and stared silently at the principal.

defiant + body language (crossed arms, stare)

Even after losing the election, the defiant candidate refused to congratulate his opponent.

remain + defiant after defeat

同義詞
  • rebellious

    stronger focus on actively fighting against authority rather than merely refusing

  • insubordinate

    more formal; specifically about disobeying a superior in a workplace or military context

  • disobedient

    broader and less intense; can apply to children or pets, not just authority figures

  • resistant

    less emotional; describes a passive unwillingness rather than active challenge

反義詞
  • obedient

    willingly following rules or orders

  • compliant

    ready to accept rules or requests without resistance

  • submissive

    accepting authority without any resistance, often too willingly

文法句型

be + defiant

remain / stay + defiant

defiant + noun (look, smile, gesture, act, move)

用法筆記

Frequently describes visible actions or body language — a defiant look, shrug, or smile — rather than just an internal feeling. The word often carries a tone of pride or courage behind the refusal.

常見錯誤

❌The student was defiant to obey the teacher.
✅The student was defiant and refused to obey the teacher.
💡'defiant' is not followed by a to-infinitive clause.
❌She was defiant with her parents.
✅She was defiant toward her parents.
💡use 'toward(s)' or a direct object without a preposition, not 'with.'

2. describing someone who refuses to listen to negative feedback or accept that oth

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describing someone who refuses to listen to negative feedback or accept that others might be right, and instead continues to defend their position or actions.

例句

Despite the bad reviews from critics, the director remained defiant about his artistic choices.

defiant about + [noun] (topic of disagreement)

Hui was defiant when her teammates pointed out several errors in her presentation.

同義詞
  • stubborn

    more general; describes a personality trait, not just a reaction to criticism

  • uncompromising

    formal; focuses on refusing to lower standards rather than rejecting feedback

  • unrepentant

    specifically about refusing to feel sorry for something done wrong

  • obstinate

    more negative and disapproving than 'defiant'

反義詞
  • receptive

    willing to listen to new ideas or feedback

  • open-minded

    ready to consider different opinions

  • contrite

    feeling or showing regret for having done wrong

文法句型

be + defiant

remain / stay / grow + defiant

defiant + about + noun

defiant + despite + noun

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (OPEN RESISTANCE): here the resistance is directed at opinions or judgments, not at authority figures or rules. The person is described as unwilling to change their position in the face of contrary evidence or evaluation.

常見錯誤

❌She was defiant to her boss's feedback.
✅She was defiant about her work despite her boss's feedback.
💡'defiant to' is non-standard; use 'defiant about' for the issue or 'defiant despite' for the challenge.