froward
/'frouəd/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Habitually disobedient and contrary: Describes a person who is willfully and habitually difficult to manage, often opposing authority or guidance out of stubbornness. 2. Perversely uncooperative: Characterized by a persistent, unreasonable resistance to direction or control.
Usage
The word "froward" is a formal, literary, and somewhat archaic term. It is used to describe a person's character or behavior, implying a deep-seated, obstinate tendency to be contrary. It is stronger than simply being "stubborn" and suggests an actively oppositional nature.
Examples
- The king's froward son refused all counsel and pursued his own ruinous path.
- Dealing with such a froward child required immense patience from the teacher.
- His froward attitude made collaboration on the project nearly impossible.
Advanced Usage
- "Frowardness" (noun): The quality or state of being froward.
- Her constant frowardness eventually led to her dismissal from the team.
Variants and Related Words
- Forward (adj): This is a distinct, more common word meaning "toward the front" or "bold." Do not confuse "froward" with "forward," though they are etymologically related. "Froward" originally meant "turned away" (from what is right or expected).
Synonyms
- Contrary: Perversely inclined to disagree or oppose.
- Perverse: Willfully determined to go against what is expected or reasonable.
- Obstinate: Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.
- Recalcitrant: Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline.
- Refractory: Resistant to control or authority; stubborn.
Antonyms
- Compliant: Inclined to agree with or obey rules or others.
- Amenable: Open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled.
- Docile: Ready to accept control or instruction; submissive.
- Tractable: Easy to control or influence.
Idioms and Phrases
- Of froward heart: An archaic phrase describing someone with a stubborn, disobedient nature.
- The ancient text warned against trusting a man of froward heart.
Adjective
- habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition