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.
defiant
Bravely and unyieldingly standing up to a superior force, danger, or adverse circumstances.
Die Burg stand trotzig auf dem Felsen und widerstand allen Stürmen.
The castle stood defiantly on the rock and withstood all storms.
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.
rebellious / insurgent
Aufständisch describes taking part in a rebellion against a government or authority. Trotzig, by contrast, usually refers to stubborn, headstrong resistance in a specific situation. Use aufständisch for organized rebellion and trotzig for a defiant reaction.
Der trotzige Bürger weigert sich, die Anweisung des Beamten zu befolgen.
The defiant citizen refuses to follow the official's instruction.
Die aufständischen Bürger kämpfen gemeinsam gegen die Regierung.
The insurgent citizens are fighting together against the government.
