defiant
Adjective
Easy difficulty
What does “defiant” mean?
adjective.showing defiance; boldly resistant or challenging.
SAT Usage
this word often appears in contexts discussing rebellion, authority, or social dynamics. It emphasizes a bold, sometimes confrontational attitude toward established norms or expectations, suggesting not just resistance but a refusal to comply, which distinguishes it from similar terms like "obstinate," which implies stubbornness without the same level of boldness or challenge.
Common Confusions
Defiant implies a bold and confrontational resistance to authority, while obstinate usually suggests a stubborn adherence to one’s own opinion without the same level of challenge or rebellion.
Example Sentences
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She stood defiant before the judge, refusing to apologize.
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She gave a defiant stare and refused to apologize.
Word Parts: How to Remember “defiant”
Break “defiant” into its parts: de- (down, away, un-). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
de-down, away, un- (Latin)