A person who does not want to change or avoids new ideas is called:

Appeared in: NORCET 10 Prelims-2026

Explanation

A reactionary individual is someone who strongly opposes change, particularly in the social or political realm.
This person prefers to maintain traditional structures and values or even revert to a previous state of affairs.
The term implies a reactive stance against new ideas, progress, or reform.

Option A: This term means to make changes for improvement, which is the opposite of avoiding or resisting change.
Option B: This refers to the process of introducing new ideas or methods. It is an act of creating change, not avoiding it.
Option D: An innovator is a person who actively introduces and embraces new ideas. This is the direct opposite of the person described in the question.

Visual 1: Chart - A simple chart contrasting 'Innovator' (moving forward, embracing new ideas) versus 'Reactionary' (moving backward, preferring old ideas) on a timeline.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vocabulary and Social Attitudes as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a clinical term, understanding these concepts helps in communicating effectively with colleagues and patients about their attitudes towards new treatments, protocols, or health-related lifestyle changes.
In a healthcare setting, identifying a patient's resistance to change (a reactionary viewpoint) is crucial for developing effective, tailored patient education and care plans that respect their perspective while encouraging adherence.
What if? If a patient is an 'innovator' and actively seeks new health technologies, a nurse's approach would shift from overcoming resistance to providing information and resources about the latest evidence-based options.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the definition provided in the question: 'a person who does not want to change or avoids new ideas'.
Next, evaluate each option against this definition.
Eliminate options that are opposite in meaning. 'Reforming', 'Innovation', and 'Innovator' all relate to creating or embracing change.
Identify the term that best fits the description of resisting change. 'Reactionary' describes someone who reacts against change.
Confirm the choice by recalling that a reactionary person wants to return to a previous state, thus avoiding new ideas.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NORCET 10 Prelims-2026

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.