unsubmissive
/' ns b'misiv/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not willing to submit or yield to authority, control, or a dominant force: Describes a person, attitude, or behavior that is resistant, defiant, or refuses to obey or conform.
- Not showing servility or meekness: Characterized by a lack of submissiveness; independent and strong-willed.
Usage
- The adjective unsubmissive is used to describe a person's character, attitude, or actions.
- It is a formal word, often used in literary, historical, or analytical contexts to describe defiance against authority, oppression, or social norms.
- It typically precedes a noun (e.g., an unsubmissive spirit) or follows a linking verb like , , or .
Examples
- Adjective:
- Her unsubmissive nature made her a difficult prisoner for the guards to manage.
- Throughout history, unsubmissive thinkers have often challenged the status quo.
- He remained unsubmissive to the unfair demands of his employer.
Advanced Usage
- "unsubmissive to": This prepositional phrase specifies what authority or force one is defiant against.
- The tribe was famously unsubmissive to colonial rule.
- Used in contrast to "submissive" to highlight resistance.
- While most were submissive, a few unsubmissive voices spoke out.
Variants and Related Words
- Unsubmissively (adverb): In an unsubmissive manner.
- She stared back unsubmissively.
- Unsubmissiveness (noun): The quality or state of being unsubmissive.
- His unsubmissiveness was seen as a threat.
Synonyms
- Defiant: Openly resisting authority.
- Recalcitrant: Stubbornly resistant to authority or control.
- Insubordinate: Not submitting to authority; disobedient.
- Rebellious: Resisting or defying authority.
- Intractable: Hard to control or manage; stubborn.
Antonyms
- Submissive: Ready to conform to the authority or will of others.
- Compliant: Inclined to agree with others or obey rules.
- Docile: Ready to accept control or instruction; submissive.
- Obedient: Complying or willing to comply with orders or requests.
- Servile: Having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others.
Adjective
-
not servile or submissive
