Widersetzlicher

Widersetzlicher is a German adjective in its comparative form of widersetzlich. The base adjective widersetzlich describes someone or something that resists, opposes, or is defiant toward rules, norms, or authority. The word is built from the prefix wider- (against) and setzen (to set or place), and is related to the verb widersetzen (to oppose).

Usage and nuance: Widersetzlich is more formal or literary in tone, and is often used to emphasize deliberate opposition rather than mere misbehavior. It can describe a person, behavior, or attitude and appears in attributive or predicative position. The comparative form is widersetzlicher, as in "Der jüngere Bruder ist widersetzlicher als der ältere." The superlative is am widersetzlichsten. In everyday language, synonyms such as störrisch, widerspenstig, aufsässig, or ungehorsam may be used with similar meaning, depending on context.

Related noun forms include Widersetzlichkeit (defiance, obstinacy) and the verb widersetzen (to oppose). Widersetzlichkeit denotes a characteristic or quality of defiance, often with a slightly formal or evaluative tone.

See also: Widersetzlichkeit, widersetzen, Widerstand.