How Do You Spell CONTUMACY?

Pronunciation: [kəntjˈuːməsi] (IPA)

Contumacy is a noun that refers to a willful resistance or defiance of authority. It is pronounced /kənˈtjuːməsi/ with emphasis on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced "kuhn" and is a schwa sound. The "t" is pronounced with a slight puff of air like "ch." The "oo" sound is pronounced like in "moon" and the "m" is pronounced softly. The final syllable is pronounced with a plain "si" sound. The spelling features the letter combination "tu" representing the hard "t" sound followed by a long "u" sound.

CONTUMACY Meaning and Definition

1. Contumacy refers to a state of refusing to comply with authority or willfully behaving in a disobedient or rebellious manner. It is a noun derived from the Latin word "contumacia," which means stubbornness.

   In legal terms, contumacy is often seen as a form of contempt of court. It refers to a deliberate and willful act of defying a court's authority, such as refusing to testify or dismissing court orders. This can result in being held in contempt and facing penalties or punitive measures.

   Outside the legal context, contumacy can describe a general attitude of defiance or noncompliance towards authority figures, rules, or established norms. It implies a stubborn resistance to conforming or submitting to expected behavior, even when faced with consequences.

   The word contumacy is closely related to terms such as insolence, rebellion, and defiance. However, it specifically emphasizes a persistent refusal to obey, often accompanied by a disrespectful or confrontational attitude.

   Overall, contumacy refers to an act or state of defiance, disobedience, or noncompliance towards authority, rules, or court orders. It implies a deliberate and persistent resistance that can have legal ramifications or reflect a broader attitude of rebellion against established norms.

2. Stubbornness; contempt of lawful authority; disobedience.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CONTUMACY

• contacy
• contemary
• contucy
• contracy
• Doctimacy
• contomacy
• contoomacy
• contumicye
• countomacy

Etymology of CONTUMACY

The word "contumacy" originated from the Latin term "contumacia", which is derived from "contumax". "Contumax" combines the prefix "con" (meaning "with" or "together") and the root "tumere" (meaning "to swell"). This Latin term referred to the act of swelling or rebellion against authority, often indicating a refusal to yield or submit. Over time, "contumacia" evolved in Middle English to "contumacie", and eventually to the Modern English term "contumacy" that is still in use today.

Similar spelling words for CONTUMACY

• contumacious,
• continuum,
• condomize,
• content,
• CONTOMS,
• gundams,
• Condoms,
• Goniotomies,
• contemn,
• cantmiss,
• cundums,
• contumely,
• CNTMS,
• queendoms,
• cantamessa,
• cantamos.

Plural form of CONTUMACY is CONTUMACIES