In a manner showing bold or stubborn resistance; with open disobedience.
Formed from 'defiant' (adjective) with the adverb-forming suffix '-ly,' which comes from Old English 'lich' (like, in manner of).
A teenager slamming a door defiantly looks the same whether they're rebelling against unfair rules or just being moody—but the intention behind that defiant gesture matters enormously.
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