Insubordinately Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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insubordinately

[ɪnˌsʌbˈɔːrdɪnətli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

behavior

In a rebellious or defiant manner; refusing to obey authority.

Synonyms

defiantly, disobediently, rebelliously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
insubordinately	Use 'insubordinately' in a formal or workplace setting when someone is refusing to follow orders or directions from a superior. This term often has a negative connotation. The employee acted insubordinately when he refused to follow the manager's instructions.
defiantly	Use 'defiantly' when describing someone who is openly resisting or challenging authority or a rule, often with a sense of pride or boldness. This can be used in various contexts, including personal or social situations. She looked at him defiantly, refusing to back down from the argument.
rebelliously	Use 'rebelliously' in contexts where someone is resisting control or convention, often in a larger scope like societal or cultural norms. This term can have both negative and positive connotations depending on the perspective. Teenagers often act rebelliously as they try to establish their own identities.
disobediently	Use 'disobediently' when describing someone, often a child, who is not following rules or instructions. This term carries a straightforward negative connotation. The child acted disobediently by not going to bed when told.

Examples of usage

The soldier acted insubordinately towards his commanding officer.
She was fired for behaving insubordinately towards her supervisor.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

People may act insubordinately when they feel a lack of respect or support from authority figures.
Research shows that when given more autonomy, individuals are less likely to rebel against authority.
The phenomenon can also be linked to challenging groupthink and promoting innovation.

Pop Culture

In films, characters portrayed as insubordinate often challenge the system, reflecting audience desires for rebellion.
Television shows frequently feature a 'bad boy' character who acts insubordinately yet wins viewers' hearts.
The concept of insubordination is explored in many classic novels, illustrating the struggle between individual freedom and societal expectations.

Legal Context

Insubordination is a common term in workplace policies and can lead to disciplinary action if repeated.
Some military codes explicitly define acts of insubordination and outline consequences, as discipline is critical.
Courts often review cases of insubordination to determine if it was justified under circumstances.

Literature

Many classic literary heroes exhibit insubordinate traits when they rebel against oppressive social norms.
In Shakespeare’s works, characters often face consequences for insubordinately challenging authority.
The theme of insubordination is prevalent in dystopian literature, where characters resist oppressive governments.

Origin of 'insubordinately'

Main points about word origin

The root 'subordinate' comes from Latin 'subordinatus,' meaning 'placed below,' highlighting a hierarchy.
The prefix 'in-' indicates negation, so 'insubordinate' means not being beneath someone’s authority.
The word has been in use since the late 19th century, reflecting changing views on authority.

The word 'insubordinately' is derived from the combination of 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'subordinate', ultimately from Latin 'subordinatus', past participle of 'subordinare' meaning 'to place in a lower order'. The concept of insubordination has been present throughout history, particularly in military and hierarchical structures where disobedience to authority is considered a serious offense.