Basic Details
Word: Refractory
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Difficult to control or stubborn; also refers to materials that can withstand high heat without melting.
Synonyms: Stubborn, unmanageable, obstinate
Antonyms: Manageable, compliant, docile
Idioms and Phrases
- Like a refractory child: Used to describe a child who is particularly difficult and hard to manage. Example: "He was like a refractory child during the meeting, refusing to listen."
- A refractory issue: Refers to a problem that is hard to solve or address. Example: "The team's project faced a refractory issue that required more resources."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The refractory nature of the horse made it challenging for the trainer to teach him new tricks.
Example 2: The engineers had to use refractory materials for the furnace to ensure it could withstand extreme temperatures.
Example 3: The manager found the refractory employees difficult to motivate, requiring special strategies to engage them.
Fun Fact
The term "refractory" comes from the Latin word "refractarius," which means "to break" or "to resist." This is fitting since refractory materials resist melting when exposed to high heat.
Famous Quote
"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to change." Charles Darwin
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "refractory" mean?
a) Easy to manage
b) Difficult to control
c) Extremely flexible
d) Very common
Answer: b) Difficult to control
2. Which of these is a synonym of "refractory"?
a) Irresolute
b) Stubborn
c) Carefree
d) Joyous
Answer: b) Stubborn
3. Which word is an antonym of "refractory"?
a) Resistant
b) Unmanageable
c) Compliant
d) Obstinate
Answer: c) Compliant
4. Which sentence uses "refractory" correctly?
a) The refractory dog sat quietly, waiting for its owner.
b) A refractory problem emerged that needed immediate attention.
c) The refractory book was very popular among students.
d) The play was wildly entertaining due to its refractory humour.
Answer: b) A refractory problem emerged that needed immediate attention.
5. What does the idiom "like a refractory child" imply?
a) The child is very obedient.
b) The child listens carefully to instructions.
c) The child is particularly difficult to manage.
d) The child is good at studies.
Answer: c) The child is particularly difficult to manage.
