German

edit

Etymology

edit

From Middle High German widerspene, widerspān, 15th c. Compare Modern German wider- and spannen (to tension).

Pronunciation

edit
  • IPA(key): /ˈviːdɐˌʃpɛnstɪç/ (standard)
  • IPA(key): /ˈviːdɐˌʃpɛnstɪk/ (common form in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland)
  • Audio:(file)
  • Hyphenation: wi‧der‧spens‧tig

Adjective

edit

widerspenstig (strong nominative masculine singular widerspenstiger, comparative widerspenstiger, superlative am widerspenstigsten)

  1. recalcitrant, renitent, rebellious, unruly, wayward, obstinate, unmanageable
    Synonyms: aufsässig, bockig, trotzig, störrisch, widerborstig
    • 1893, Berthold Auerbach, Schwarzwälder Dorfgeschichten, Fünfter Band. - Kapitel 26:
      Sie hörte es nur allzubald, denn der Bauer war rasend ob des widerspenstigen Sohnes. Niemand wagte zu widersprechen außer dem Dekan.
      (please add an English translation of this quotation)

Declension

edit

Derived terms

edit
edit

Further reading

edit