Contumacious
/ˌkɒntʃəˈmeɪʃəs/
adjectiveC2
Definition
Contumacious describes a person or behavior that is very disobedient and refuses to follow orders or rules. This word is often used in serious or formal situations, like legal or official contexts, when someone openly resists authority.
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See It in Action
Stubborn refusal to obey authority or rules
- •The defendant was held in contempt of court for his contumacious behavior.
- •The contumacious student refused to follow the school rules despite many warnings.
- •Contumacious conduct in the workplace can lead to serious consequences.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "contumacious" like "stubborn," but much stronger—it means not just refusing once, but being openly and repeatedly disobedient.
- ✓Picture a person crossing their arms and refusing to listen to a teacher or police officer, clearly not wanting to follow instructions.
- ✓It's the feeling of frustration when someone refuses to cooperate no matter how much you ask politely.
- ✓Sounds like "con-too-MAY-shus" → imagine someone saying "No way!" loudly and proudly every time they are told what to do.
- ✓Think of a rebellious character in stories who refuses to obey laws or rules and causes trouble because of it.
- ✓NOT like "disagree" (just having a different opinion), contumacious means active refusal and defiance.
- ✓NOT like "quiet" or "calm" disobedience, contumacious is loud and clear in breaking rules.
- ✓NOT like "accidental mistake," contumacious is a choice to disobey on purpose.
Try Other Words
- •Disobedient: refusing to follow rules or orders (Use when the refusal is clear but less formal)
- •Rebellious: showing resistance to authority or control (Use when the person actively fights against rules)
- •Defiant: openly resisting authority (Use when the refusal is bold and challenging)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "con-" (with, together) + root related to "tumult" or "tumultuous" (meaning disorder or rebellion) + suffix "-acious" (full of or tending to)
- •Etymology: From Latin "contumax," meaning stubborn or rebellious, from "con-" (with) + "tumere" (to swell, be angry)
- •Historical development: Used in legal and formal language since the 16th century to describe willful disobedience, especially in court
- •Modern usage: Still mainly found in formal or legal contexts to describe serious refusal to obey orders or rules
- •Key insight: Not just simple stubbornness, but active, loud, and serious refusal to obey authority
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when someone’s contumacious behavior caused problems in a group or team?
•How is contumacious different from just being stubborn or disagreeing politely?
Fill in the blanks
1.The judge held the defendant in contempt because of his contumacious ___ to follow court orders.
2.Contumacious behavior often leads to ___ consequences in formal settings like schools or courts.
3.Unlike quiet disagreement, contumacious actions are ___ and openly refuse to obey.
4.When someone is contumacious, they ___ authority rather than quietly question it.
5.The officer warned the crowd, but their contumacious ___ made the situation worse.
6.Contumacious individuals usually do not ___ to rules even after repeated warnings.
7.In legal terms, contumacious conduct can result in ___ penalties or fines.