Defiantly
/dɪˈfaɪəntli/
Definitions
In a manner that shows open resistance or disobedience to someone or something.
/dɪˈfaɪəntli/
In a manner showing defiance.
The protesters defiantly stood their ground against the police.
💡 Simply: When you're being defiant, it's like you're saying, 'I won't do what you want!' and you show it by not following rules or directions, even when you know you should. Like a kid who refuses to eat their vegetables, even though they know it's good for them.
👶 For kids: When you do something in a way that shows you don't care what someone else wants.
More Examples
She defiantly challenged the authority of the principal.
He defiantly declared his independence.
How It's Used
"He defiantly refused to apologize for his actions."
"The hero stood defiantly against the tyrant."
From 'defy' + '-ant' + '-ly'. 'Defy' comes from Old French 'defier', meaning 'to challenge' or 'to resist'.
The word has been used since the late 19th century to describe actions marked by open resistance or disobedience.
Memory tip
Think of a child standing with arms crossed, stubbornly refusing to follow instructions.
Word Origin
"challenge, resist"