Rebellious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿค˜
Add to dictionary

rebellious

[rษชหˆbษ›ljษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Showing a desire to resist authority, control, or convention.

Synonyms

defiant, disobedient, insubordinate, unruly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
rebellious

Used to describe someone who resists authority or control in a strong, often passionate way, usually against societal norms or rules.

  • Teenagers often go through a rebellious phase.
  • The artist was known for her rebellious spirit.
defiant

Best suited for someone showing a bold resistance to authority or an opposing force, often with a confrontational attitude.

  • She gave a defiant look to the police officer.
  • His defiant attitude landed him in trouble.
insubordinate

Applied in formal or workplace settings to describe someone who refuses to obey authority, commands, or rules, often leading to disciplinary actions.

  • The insubordinate employee was warned by his manager.
  • He faced consequences for being insubordinate.
disobedient

Describes someone who refuses to follow orders or rules, commonly used in a negative sense, especially regarding children or pets.

  • The disobedient dog refused to sit.
  • Her disobedient behavior was a constant issue in class.
unruly

Used to describe someone or something difficult to control or manage, often because they behave in a wild or lawless manner.

  • The unruly children made a mess of the room.
  • Her unruly hair was impossible to tame.

Examples of usage

  • He was always getting into trouble at school for his rebellious behavior.
  • The rebellious teenager refused to follow the rules set by his parents.
Context #2 | Adjective

nature

Having or showing a strong desire to resist authority or control.

Synonyms

contrary, defiant, insubordinate, unruly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
rebellious

Used to describe someone who resists authority or control and often involves a sense of active resistance or a desire for change.

  • Teenagers can be very rebellious, challenging their parents' rules at every turn
  • The revolutionary leader had a rebellious spirit, always fighting against the oppressive regime
defiant

Implies a bold resistance against authority, rules, or norms, often in a confrontational way.

  • The defiant student stood up and walked out of the classroom
  • Her defiant attitude made it clear she wouldn't comply with the new policy
insubordinate

Specifically used in hierarchical or workplace situations to describe someone who disobeys orders or refuses to follow instructions from a superior.

  • The soldier was court-martialed for being insubordinate to his commanding officer
  • The employee was reprimanded for her insubordinate behavior during the meeting
contrary

Indicates someone who deliberately does the opposite of what is expected or requested, often just to be difficult.

  • She has a contrary nature, always insisting on arguing the opposite point of view
  • Despite knowing the guidelines, he took a contrary approach just to provoke a reaction
unruly

Describes someone difficult to control or manage, often used in contexts involving behavior that is wild and disorganized.

  • The unruly crowd at the concert made it difficult for security to maintain order
  • His unruly hair was always sticking out in different directions

Examples of usage

  • Her rebellious spirit led her to challenge the status quo.
  • The artist's rebellious nature was reflected in his unconventional artworks.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'rebellious' comes from the Latin 'rebellio', which means 'to rebel' or to fight against authority.
  • In the Middle Ages, rebellious behavior often led to uprisings against kings and rulers, influencing many historical changes.
  • Many famous revolutions, like the American Revolution, featured people labeled as 'rebellious' who sought independence and justice.

Pop Culture

  • Rebellious characters are popular in movies and books, like James Dean in 'Rebel Without a Cause' symbolizing youth defiance.
  • Rock music, especially in the 1960s and 70s, often celebrated a rebellious spirit, with songs calling for change and freedom.
  • Many fashion trends started as rebellious statements against societal norms, such as punk fashion challenging mainstream styles.

Psychology

  • Studies show that rebellious behavior can often be a sign of a personโ€™s quest for independence and self-identity, particularly in teens.
  • Rebelliousness can sometimes be linked to creativity; breaking rules can lead to original ideas and innovative solutions.
  • In psychology, rebellion is often viewed as a crucial part of adolescent development, helping individuals establish their unique values.

Sociology

  • Social movements throughout history relied on rebellious individuals to challenge the status quo and fight for various rights.
  • Group dynamics can influence rebellious behavior; people are more likely to resist authority when they feel supported by peers.
  • Rebellious acts, while sometimes seen negatively, can bring about necessary social change and progress.

Literature

  • Classic literature often features rebellious characters that challenge societal norms, such as Hester Prynne in 'The Scarlet Letter'.
  • Rebel themes in literature allow exploration of freedom versus control, questioning the ethics of authority.
  • Many coming-of-age stories portray rebellion as a natural part of growing up, showing characters breaking free from restrictions.

Origin of 'rebellious'

The word 'rebellious' originated from the Latin word 'rebellis', which means 'rebellious, insurgent'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 14th century. The concept of rebellion has been a part of human history for centuries, with individuals and groups challenging authority and societal norms. The term 'rebellious' is often associated with defiance, resistance, and nonconformity.


See also: rebel, rebelling, rebellion, rebelliously, rebelliousness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,028, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.