indication of defiance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indication of defiance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sign or signal that someone is resisting authority or opposing something. Example: "Her crossed arms were an indication of defiance during the meeting, signaling her disagreement with the proposed changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When she was asked if the protesters' song "we shall not be moved" was an indication of defiance of the police, Ms Lucas said: "It was more the fact that we were singing together rather than the words we were singing.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The kidnapping and gruesome killing of Daniel Pearl, an American journalist, is another indication of the defiance of the fanatics.

The Economist

The song "Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya" sung by Anarkali was an indication of her defiance of societal norms.

Wikipedia

A solitary act of defiance?

The New Yorker

The note of defiance was unmistakeable.

Independent

IT IS a brave act of defiance.

The Economist

Creativity became an act of defiance.

The Guardian

These are works of defiance, sometimes escapism.

The New Yorker

"The level of defiance is running high.

The New York Times

Very open acts of defiance now.

Independent

(This sort of defiance got him excommunicated).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indication of defiance" to describe subtle or indirect signs of resistance rather than overt acts. It's best suited when the defiance is implied or suggested, not explicitly stated.

Common error

Avoid using "indication of defiance" when the act is clearly a full-blown rebellion or open revolt. The phrase suggests a hint or suggestion, not a full display of resistance. Instead, opt for stronger terms like "act of rebellion" or "outright defiance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indication of defiance" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a sign or signal suggesting an underlying resistance or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indication of defiance" serves to subtly highlight resistance or opposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. While not overly common, primarily used in news and media contexts, this phrase aptly describes situations where the defiance is implied rather than explicitly stated. For more overt displays of resistance, alternatives like "act of rebellion" or "outright defiance" might be more suitable. Understanding the nuanced difference between these expressions allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expression of defiance

This focuses on the verbal or non-verbal communication of resistance.

sign of resistance

This alternative uses "resistance" instead of "defiance", emphasizing the act of opposing or withstanding something. It is more general and less focused on authority.

show of resistance

This option emphasizes the public display of opposition.

evidence of opposition

Replaces "indication" with "evidence" and "defiance" with "opposition", suggesting a more concrete and demonstrable form of resistance.

hint of rebellion

This alternative uses "hint" to suggest a more subtle sign and "rebellion" to indicate a potentially stronger form of defiance.

gesture of insubordination

Replaces "indication" with "gesture" and "defiance" with "insubordination", suggesting a deliberate act of disobedience, often within a hierarchical structure.

act of noncompliance

This alternative replaces "indication" with "act" to emphasize a specific action and substitutes "defiance" with "noncompliance" for a more formal and legalistic tone, often related to rules or regulations.

token of dissent

Using "token" suggests a symbolic representation, and "dissent" implies a difference of opinion or disagreement with prevailing views.

manifestation of protest

This alternative highlights the outward display of objection or disapproval.

symbol of challenge

This phrase uses 'symbol' to represent something that embodies a questioning or contesting stance.

FAQs

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

You can use "indication of defiance" to describe a subtle sign or signal that someone is resisting authority or opposing something. For example: "Her silence was an "indication of defiance" during the negotiation."

What can I say instead of "indication of defiance"?

You can use alternatives like "sign of resistance", "hint of rebellion", or "gesture of insubordination" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "indication of defiance" and "act of defiance"?

"Indication of defiance" suggests a subtle sign or hint of resistance, while "act of defiance" refers to a more overt and direct action of opposition.

Is "indication of defiance" formal or informal language?

"Indication of defiance" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. It is more formal than colloquial expressions but less rigid than legal or technical jargon.