Usually suggests a person's negative and stubborn behavior towards authority.

Negative Connotation

Highlights extreme refusal to obey, more intense than just non-compliance.

Strong Disobedience

Using 'contumacious' implies there might be consequences for the defiance shown.

Especially used within contexts where authority or legal control is involved.

Using 'contumacious' implies potential legal or formal punishment for the defiance.

More serious than simple insubordination, it carries significant weight and stubbornness.