a sort of defiance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sort of defiance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a behavior or attitude that shows resistance or challenge to authority or norms in a somewhat ambiguous or mild manner. Example: "Her decision to speak out against the policy was a sort of defiance that inspired others to join her cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's a sort of defiance.

The New York Times - Health

"I ought to have gone away," he says of his first turn at the tables, "but a strange sensation rose up in me, a sort of defiance of fate, a desire to challenge it, to put out my tongue at it".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A: Sort of.

Independent

In a minor article on Olympia by a minor hack, A Bonnin, a rumour is reported that Manet's painting was just "a parti pris on his part, a sort of ironic defiance hurled at the jury and the public".

The Guardian - Books

The writer Paul Kingsnorth has drawn an analogy between the increased visibility of St George crosses and the Confederate flag in the US south – a sort of unspoken defiance from "a people that lost" which says "we are still here".

The Guardian - Opinion

He wanted to cry on the shoulder of the ambulance crew and say, only curiosity and mild lust led me on, and a sort of childish defiance, and the fact that it was there for me, on a plate, do you know what I mean?

The Guardian - Books

It was a sort of act of defiance, really.

The New Yorker

The black bands are a sort of symbol of defiance as well.

Vice

For some New Yorkers, lighting up in the wake of Sept. 11 has been a gesture of defiance, a sort of devil-may-care attitude about future evils.

The New York Times

With the years has come a mettled defiance, a sort of crisp-cored boldness.

The Guardian

Though Marieme manages to contrive a sort of relationship with Ismaël, in defiance of Djibril (whose response is a key moment in the movie), she realizes that, in order to discover her nature and fulfill her desires, she needs to take bold steps to remove herself from Djibril and her neighborhood.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sort of defiance" when you want to describe an act of resistance or challenge in a mild or understated way, suggesting it's not a full-blown rebellion but rather a subtle form of opposition.

Common error

Avoid using "a sort of defiance" when describing overt or aggressive acts of rebellion. This phrase implies a subtle resistance, so stronger terms are more appropriate for explicit defiance.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial modifier. The phrase "a sort of defiance" typically functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which an action is performed or a state is exhibited. It indicates that an action is carried out with a subtle, almost hesitant form of resistance or opposition, according to Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sort of defiance" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, best suited for describing subtle or understated acts of resistance. Ludwig AI confirms this with its analysis of example sentences sourced primarily from news and media outlets. While not frequently used, this phrase offers a nuanced way to portray opposition, avoiding the stronger connotations of terms like “rebellion”. When writing, ensure this phrase accurately reflects the subtlety of the defiance being described. Using stronger terms should be considered for explicit or aggressive acts of resistance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mild rebellion

Replaces "defiance" with "rebellion", suggesting a slightly stronger but still understated resistance.

a subtle resistance

Emphasizes the understated and indirect nature of the opposition.

a quiet opposition

Highlights the lack of outward expression in the act of defiance.

a veiled challenge

Suggests a challenge that is not openly stated but implied.

a touch of insubordination

Frames the defiance as a slight deviation from obedience.

a hint of rebelliousness

Underscores a mere suggestion of rebellious behavior.

a degree of noncompliance

Presents the defiance as a failure to adhere strictly to rules or norms.

a form of pushback

Describes the defiance as a reaction against something, often authority.

an element of contrarianism

Indicates a tendency to oppose prevailing opinions or behavior.

a whisper of dissent

Highlights the quiet and subtle nature of the expressed disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "a sort of defiance" in a sentence?

You can use "a sort of defiance" to describe a mild or understated act of resistance. For example, "Her refusal to participate was "a sort of defiance" against the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "a sort of defiance"?

Alternatives include phrases like "mild rebellion", "subtle resistance", or "quiet opposition", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a sort of defiance" formal or informal?

"A sort of defiance" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more suitable for descriptive writing where a nuanced portrayal of resistance is desired.

What's the difference between "a sort of defiance" and "open rebellion"?

"A sort of defiance" implies a subtle or understated form of resistance, whereas "open rebellion" suggests a more direct and explicit challenge to authority.