Balky - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Definition:
Unwilling to cooperate or proceed; stubbornly resistant to control or direction.
Synonyms:
stubborn, obstinate, uncooperative, recalcitrant
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
cooperative, compliant, obedient
Common Collocations:
balky horse, balky engine, balky child
Derivatives:
balkiness, balkily
Usage Tips:
Use "balky" to describe something or someone that refuses to move or act as expected, often frustratingly so.
Common Phrases:
balky as a mule, balky starter, balky temper
Etymology:
Originates from "balk," meaning to hesitate or refuse, with roots in Old English "balca" (ridge or beam).
Examples:
- 1. The horse was balky and refused to jump the fence.
- 2. Her balky computer kept freezing during the presentation.
- 3. The toddler became balky when told to take a nap.
- 4. The car’s balky engine finally started after several tries.