spirit of rebellion

USAGE SUMMARY

"spirit of rebellion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling or attitude of resisting authority or societal norms. It can also refer to a general sense of defiance and nonconformity. Example: The students at the protest were filled with a strong spirit of rebellion as they chanted slogans and held up signs demanding change from the government.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Books

Film

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Today the spirit of rebellion is gone.

The New Yorker

Where is their spirit of rebellion?

The Guardian - Opinion

She saw no spirit of rebellion in slavery.

The New York Times

He says he imbibed the spirit of rebellion, and it changed him.

The New York Times

Kimball manages to convey the spirit of rebellion in the sound.

The New Yorker

Foreign observers of Belarusian art home in on a spirit of rebellion when they see it.

The Economist

But, in the spirit of rebellion, Shelley still wears high-heels.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But something of that original spirit of rebellion and independence seems to have survived.

The Guardian - Music

The monthly Afropolitan Vibes night aims to revive a spirit of rebellion.

The Guardian

A "spirit of rebellion," says Nicolson, had begun to spread below stairs.

The New York Times - Books

The spirit of rebellion continues to simmer in the Middle East and North Africa.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "spirit of rebellion" to describe a collective feeling or attitude, rather than an individual act of defiance. For example, "The protests were fueled by a growing "spirit of rebellion" against the government's policies."

Common error

While "spirit of rebellion" is widely understood, it can sometimes sound dramatic or overstated in formal writing. Consider using more neutral terms like "opposition", "dissent", or "resistance" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spirit of rebellion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It encapsulates a collective feeling or atmosphere of resistance against established authority, norms, or conventions. Ludwig AI validates the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

12%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Books

6%

Film

5%

Music

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spirit of rebellion" effectively captures a collective feeling of resistance against authority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it commonly appears in news and media, academic discussions, and lifestyle content, reflecting its relevance across various domains. While versatile, it is advisable to consider the formality of the context and, if needed, explore synonyms like "essence of rebellion" or "wave of defiance" for nuanced expression. To avoid overuse and maintain precision, differentiate it from related concepts like "act of defiance". In essence, the "spirit of rebellion" is a powerful phrase that vividly conveys a sense of collective defiance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essence of rebellion

Replaces "spirit" with "essence", emphasizing the fundamental nature of the rebellion.

atmosphere of rebellion

Shifts the focus from an internal feeling to an external environment or pervasive mood.

spirit of insubordination

Replaces "rebellion" with "insubordination", highlighting a refusal to submit to authority.

spirit of insurgency

Emphasizes an active revolt against an established government or power.

spirit of revolt

A more general term for rising up against authority or convention.

wave of defiance

Suggests a widespread and forceful expression of resistance.

mood of defiance

Highlights the emotional state underlying the resistance.

air of revolution

Implies a transformative and potentially violent upheaval.

zeitgeist of resistance

Captures the defining spirit or mood of a particular period characterized by opposition.

spark of revolution

Emphasizes the initial catalyst or inciting incident for a larger revolt.

FAQs

How can I use "spirit of rebellion" in a sentence?

The phrase "spirit of rebellion" typically describes a widespread feeling of resistance against authority or established norms. For instance: "The new law ignited a "spirit of rebellion" among the citizens."

What phrases are similar to "spirit of rebellion"?

You can use alternatives like "essence of rebellion", "atmosphere of rebellion", or "spirit of insubordination", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "spirit of rebellion" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "spirit of rebellion" might sound too dramatic for some formal contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives such as "opposition" or "resistance" in such cases.

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

"Spirit of rebellion" describes an overarching feeling or attitude of resistance, whereas "act of defiance" refers to a specific instance of disobedience or opposition. The former is a broader concept, while the latter is a concrete action.