First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
restive
adjective res·tive \ˈres-tiv\
: feeling bored or impatient while waiting for something to happen or change
Full Definition of RESTIVE
1
: stubbornly resisting control : balky
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Origin of RESTIVE
Middle English restyf, from Anglo-French restif, from rester to stop, resist, remain
Related to RESTIVE
- Synonyms
- balky, contrary, contumacious, defiant, froward, incompliant, insubordinate, intractable, obstreperous, rebel, rebellious, recalcitrant, recusant, refractory, disobedient, ungovernable, unruly, untoward, wayward, willful (or wilful)
- Antonyms
- amenable, biddable, compliant, conformable, docile, obedient, ruly, submissive, tractable
Synonym Discussion of RESTIVE
contrary, perverse, restive, balky, wayward mean inclined to resist authority or control. contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice <a contrary child>. perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal <a perverse, intractable critic>. restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders <tired soldiers growing restive>. balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action <a balky witness>. wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior <a school for wayward youths>.
Rhymes with RESTIVE
RESTIVENESS Defined for Kids
restive
adjective res·tive \ˈre-stiv\
Definition of RESTIVE for Kids
: showing impatience, nervousness, or discomfort <a restive crowd>
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