Identify the synonym of 'Recalcitrant':
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
Rebellious
Explanation
The word 'recalcitrant' is an adjective used to describe a person who has an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline. To solve this quickly for an exam, look at the Latin roots of the word. It comes from recalcitrare, which literally means "to kick back" (from calx, meaning heel).
The word 'rebellious' means showing a desire to resist authority, control, or convention, which perfectly matches the core meaning of being recalcitrant.
Evaluating the incorrect choices, 'compliant' means disposed to agree with others or obey rules. 'Submissive' means ready to conform to the authority or will of others. 'Docile' means ready to accept control or instruction, or submissive. Because compliant, submissive, and docile are all close synonyms to each other and act as direct antonyms to the target word, Option 2 is the only logical synonym.
Key Points
Identifying vocabulary synonyms requires matching a target word's core definition with an option that shares its fundamental semantic traits.
The words compliant, submissive, and docile function as direct contextual antonyms to the word recalcitrant.