gross defiance

USAGE SUMMARY

"gross defiance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an extreme and blatant act of disobedience or refusal to follow rules or authority. It can also imply a lack of respect or disregard for societal norms. Example: Despite multiple warnings from her parents, Sally continued to sneak out late at night, smoking and drinking with her friends. Her gross defiance towards their rules eventually led to serious consequences.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Their complaint was hard to sort out, something about how the panel had three members when it should have had seven, in gross defiance of ethics, decency and the law.

The New York Times

Netanyahu, however, had immediately called Azaria's parents to reassure them that he saw their son as having done his duty; Ronen Bergman, the military correspondent for Yediot Ahronot, reported that the telephone call was seen by the brass as "a gross defiance of the military's authority".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was pure defiance.

The New York Times - Sports

He is caught between the father and the Father, who are in cahoots, and his addiction to lying seems to have evolved partly as payback: defiance at the gross inconsistencies that emanated weekly from his father's pulpit and which his clear young mind was unable not to register.

The Guardian - Books

Lowell may be the first of that postwar generation which will write in dead earnest, not content with providing merely a slick superficiality but attempting to find a basis for a working faith, in spite of secretive Nature and in defiance of the frivolous concepts of a gross and complacent society.

The New Yorker

The former head of the army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, had earlier accused the BBC of "a gross error of editorial judgment" and "gross arrogance" for screening what he described as "a nasty show" in defiance of objections from the army.

The Guardian

It was defiance for defiance's sake.

The New Yorker

Even sweeter defiance?

The New York Times

Stage 2: defiance.

The New York Times

He responded with defiance.

The New Yorker

And inherent defiance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gross defiance" to describe actions that not only disobey rules but also show a significant lack of respect for the authority or principles being challenged.

Common error

Avoid using "gross defiance" in everyday situations where a milder term like "disobedience" or "noncompliance" would suffice. The phrase carries a strong connotation and is best reserved for situations involving significant breaches of conduct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gross defiance" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "gross" modifies the noun "defiance". It is used to describe a state or instance of extreme disobedience or disregard for authority. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gross defiance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an extreme and blatant act of disobedience, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Although relatively rare, it appears primarily in news and media contexts, indicating its suitability for formal analysis of severe breaches of conduct. While synonyms such as "blatant insubordination" and "flagrant disregard" exist, "gross defiance" carries a specific weight, emphasizing not only the act of disobedience but also the significant disrespect or disregard for underlying principles. It's important to reserve its use for appropriate contexts, avoiding overuse in casual situations where milder terms would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overt defiance

Focuses on the open and undisguised nature of the defiance.

blatant insubordination

Replaces 'defiance' with 'insubordination' and 'gross' with 'blatant', focusing on the act of disobeying orders.

total insubordination

Underscores the complete and utter refusal to submit to authority.

outright disobedience

Emphasizes the direct and unambiguous nature of the refusal to obey.

flagrant disregard

Substitutes both words, highlighting a clear and disrespectful lack of attention to rules or norms.

egregious noncompliance

Uses more formal language, stressing the severity of the failure to comply.

brazen rebellion

Conveys a sense of open and defiant resistance against authority.

wanton insubordination

Conveys a sense of reckless disregard for the consequences of disobedience.

extreme opposition

Highlights the intensity and degree of resistance.

severe recalcitrance

Implies a stubborn and unyielding resistance to authority.

FAQs

How can I use "gross defiance" in a sentence?

The phrase "gross defiance" is used to describe an extreme and blatant act of disobedience or disregard for rules and authority. For example: "The student's repeated disruptions in class were considered a /s/gross+defiance and led to suspension."

What are some synonyms for "gross defiance"?

Alternatives to "gross defiance" include "blatant insubordination", "flagrant disregard", or "outright disobedience", each emphasizing a specific aspect of disobedience.

Is "gross defiance" a formal or informal expression?

"Gross defiance" leans towards a more formal register due to the intensifier "gross". It's suitable for news reports, formal analysis, or when emphasizing the severe nature of the disobedience.

What distinguishes "gross defiance" from simple "defiance"?

The adjective "gross" intensifies the noun "defiance", suggesting a significant and unacceptable degree of opposition or disobedience. Simple "defiance" lacks this strong emphasis and can refer to milder forms of resistance.