defiant
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defiant
Resisting in a stubborn and headstrong way, often out of a feeling of powerlessness or in order to assert one's will. This behavior is often observed in children.
Das Kind reagierte mit trotzigem Schweigen auf die Ermahnung der Mutter.
The child responded to the mother's warning with defiant silence.
The adjective 'trotzig' (defiant) belongs to the word family of 'der Trotz' (defiance, the attitude of resistance) and the preposition 'trotz' (despite/although). All of these words express a form of being against something.
Aus reinem Trotz wollte er nicht zugeben, dass er sich geirrt hatte.
Out of sheer defiance, he refused to admit that he had been wrong.
In the meaning 'stur' (stubborn), 'trotzig' is often combined with verbs of reaction. Typical phrases are: 'trotzig schweigen' (to remain defiantly silent), 'trotzig antworten' (to answer defiantly), or 'eine trotzige Miene machen' (to make a defiant face).
Auf die Frage, warum er das getan hat, schwieg er nur trotzig.
When asked why he had done it, he only remained defiantly silent.
The most common meaning of 'trotzig' describes stubborn, often childish behavior. When the word is used in connection with children, emotional reactions, or personal resistance, this meaning is almost always intended.
Mit verschränkten Armen und einem trotzigen Gesichtsausdruck saß er in der Ecke.
With crossed arms and a defiant expression, he sat in the corner.
The meaning 'unbeugsam widerstehend' (resisting unyieldingly) is often used in a figurative or literary style to describe the steadfastness of objects such as castles, trees, or rocks.
Der alte Leuchtturm ragte trotzig aus dem tosenden Meer empor.
The old lighthouse rose defiantly out of the roaring sea.
stubborn / rigid
'stur' and 'trotzig' both describe someone who does not want to give in. 'stur' is more general: a person does not change their opinion or behavior, even when there are good reasons against it. 'trotzig' more strongly describes resistance out of anger, hurt feelings, or the desire to assert one's own will. It is often used for children, but not only for them. Learners may confuse the words because both seem headstrong. 'stur' fits firm refusal to give in, while 'trotzig' fits an emotional reaction of resistance.
Das Kind schaute trotzig weg, als die Mutter mit ihm sprechen wollte.
The child looked away defiantly when the mother wanted to speak to him.
Anna bleibt stur und nimmt keinen anderen Weg, obwohl die Straße gesperrt ist.
Anna remains stubborn and refuses to take another route, even though the road is closed.