- Today's Word
Immutable
ih-MYOO-tuh-buhl
Definition
- (adjective) Unchanging over time or unable to be changed.
Example
The laws of physics are often regarded as immutable, governing the universe with unwavering consistency.
Fun Fact
“Immutable” comes from the Latin immutabilis, combining in- (“not”) and mutabilis (“changeable”). The word has been used to describe enduring principles, truths, or conditions. Its philosophical roots remind us of humanity’s quest to understand what is permanent in an ever-changing world.
(adjective) Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline; stubbornly resistant to control
The recalcitrant student refused to put away his phone despite three separate warnings from the teacher.
Recalcitrant comes from the Latin recalcitrare — from re- (“back”) + calcitrare (“to kick”) — itself derived from calx (“heel”). The original image is vividly literal: a horse or mule kicking back against its rider or handler. It entered English in the 19th century, retaining that core sense of stubborn, physical resistance before broadening to describe any obstinate defiance of authority.