in defiance

USAGE SUMMARY

"in defiance" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe an act of daring or to express defiance, especially when someone does or says something that goes against what is expected or accepted. For example, "The protesters marched in defiance of the government's orders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People come out in defiance.

The New York Times

house on Sq. in defiance of Wash.

The New Yorker

Now Manyenga gazed directly at him, almost in defiance.

The New Yorker

The war had endured in defiance of the democratic process.

The New Yorker

Was the building constructed in defiance of building codes?

The Economist

In defiance of nature's odds, every driver is a man.

The New York Times

She knows what's right, often in defiance of the grownups.

The Guardian - Books

In defiance of a house arrest order, he went underground.

The Guardian

The greatest games blaze in defiance of managerial plans.

The Guardian - Sport

It soon became a war in defiance of law.

The New York Times - Books

Garden cities developed in defiance of status-symbol architecture.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in defiance" to clearly express a deliberate act of disobedience or resistance against a rule, authority, or expectation. Ensure the context makes it clear what is being defied.

Common error

Avoid using "in defiance" when simply stating a difference or contrast. Defiance implies a conscious act of opposition, not just a variation from the norm. For example, instead of saying "The flower bloomed in defiance of the cold weather", which incorrectly personifies the flower, consider "The flower bloomed despite the cold weather".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in defiance" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the manner in which an action is performed or a state is maintained. As Ludwig AI shows, it often emphasizes a deliberate act of resistance or opposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in defiance" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to express opposition or resistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies a deliberate act of disobedience, often against rules, laws, or established authority. Its usage is widespread, particularly in news and media, with a neutral to slightly formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being defied. Common errors include misinterpreting the nuance of defiance and using it when a simple contrast is intended. Consider alternatives like "in opposition to" or "despite" for different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in challenge to

Directly implies questioning or disputing the validity or authority of something.

in resistance to

Emphasizes the act of actively fighting against something, suggesting a more prolonged or sustained effort.

in opposition to

Focuses on the act of being against something, highlighting a contrasting stance rather than outright disobedience.

in violation of

Implies breaking a rule or law, focusing on the act of transgression.

against the grain

Implies going against the norm or accepted way of doing things, often suggesting a more subtle or inherent opposition.

in spite of

Highlights that something is happening despite an obstacle, rather than directly challenging it.

disregarding

Highlights the act of ignoring or paying no attention to something, implying a lack of concern or respect.

contrary to

Indicates a disagreement or contradiction with a statement or expectation, focusing on the difference in content.

regardless of

Indicates that something is not affected by something else, suggesting independence rather than direct opposition.

notwithstanding

Suggests that something is true despite something else that might be expected to negate it, similar to 'in spite of'.

FAQs

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

Use "in defiance" to show resistance or disobedience to a rule, law, or expectation. For example, "The protesters marched "in defiance of the law"".

What are some alternatives to "in defiance"?

Alternatives include "in opposition to", "in resistance to", or "in spite of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to act "in defiance"?

Not necessarily. While "in defiance" often suggests a negative connotation due to the act of disobedience, it can also indicate courage or standing up for principles, depending on the context. For example, someone might act "in defiance of oppression".

What's the difference between "in defiance of" and "despite"?

"In defiance of" implies a deliberate act of resistance or opposition, while "despite" simply indicates that something occurs regardless of an obstacle. You act "in defiance of" a rule, but something happens "despite" a difficulty.