Word
defiantly
Phoneticsde·fi·ant·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈfaɪəntɫi/
UK/dɪfˈaɪəntli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. to do something in a way that shows you refuse to obey someone or something. You act this way when you are challenged and want to show you are not afraid.
adv. in a manner that demonstrates open resistance or bold disobedience. Typically modifies verbs of action or speech to indicate a refusal to submit to authority.
Examples
“The child stood defiantly and refused to move.”
“Despite the threat of a fine, the shopkeeper defiantly kept his doors open during the holiday.”
“The small group of protesters remained defiantly in the square long after the curfew had passed, chanting slogans against the new legislation.”
Examples
simple
“The child stood defiantly and refused to move.”
contextual
“Despite the threat of a fine, the shopkeeper defiantly kept his doors open during the holiday.”
complex
“The small group of protesters remained defiantly in the square long after the curfew had passed, chanting slogans against the new legislation.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.
Real-World Examples
“There was also a small group of men carrying an inflatable banana in one corner defiantly chanting about ‘City going down with a billion in the bank’.” Etymology
From defiant + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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