What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defiant
Example
The student was defiant when the teacher asked him to put away his phone. [defiant: adjective]
Example
She spoke in a defiant tone, refusing to back down from her position. [defiant: adjective]
disobedient
Example
The child was disobedient and refused to clean up his toys. [disobedient: adjective]
Example
He was punished for his disobedience to the company's policies. [disobedience: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disobedient is more commonly used than defiant in everyday language. Disobedient is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while defiant is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between defiant and disobedient?
Defiant is generally considered more formal or literary than disobedient. While both words can be used in various formality levels, defiant may be more appropriate in formal writing or speeches.
