French Conversation · Level 91
60 words
French word
réfractaire
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁefʁaktɛʁ/
Meaning
- adjectivedefiant
Example
Il est réfractaire aux règles.
He is defiant when it comes to rules.
More examples
Elle reste réfractaire au changement.
She remains resistant to change.
Core concept
A person bracing against a rule instead of yielding to it.
Common phrases
réfractaire au changement
resistant to change
réfractaire à l'autorité
defiant of authority
Similar words
obstiné: Stubbornly attached to personal opinions or ways of doing things.
rebelle: Opposed to authority and willing to defy its rules.
défiant: Resistant in a way that challenges or confronts others.
réticent: Reluctant to comply because of hesitation or reservations.
Definition in French
Qui s'oppose de façon obstinée à une autorité, à une règle ou à une demande.
Word origin
Réfractaire comes from Latin refractarius, derived from refringere, 'to break back', and developed the sense of resisting authority.
Usage tips
- Réfractaire normally takes à, with contraction in phrases such as réfractaire aux règles.
Other meanings
- stubbornadjective
- resistantadjective
- rebelnoun
Opposites
- obéissantobedientadjective
- dociledocileadjective