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)
  • (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

Related terms edit

Further reading edit