obstinance
Definition
Noun: 1. The quality of being stubbornly unyielding; resolute adherence to one's own ideas or desires. It refers to a firm, often unreasonable, determination not to change one's attitude or position. 2. The trait of being difficult to handle or overcome. This meaning emphasizes the challenging or intractable nature resulting from stubbornness.
Usage and Examples
- As a quality of a person:
- His obstinance prevented any compromise during the negotiations.
- She finally gave in, worn down by her son's sheer obstinance.
- As a trait of a problem or situation:
- The obstinance of the software bug frustrated the entire development team.
- They faced the obstinance of poverty in the region.
Advanced Usage
- Formal/Clinical Context: The term can be used in formal writing or psychological contexts to describe a persistent, inflexible pattern of behavior.
- The patient's obstinance was noted as a significant barrier to treatment.
Variants and Related Words
- Obstinacy (n.): A more common synonym with identical meaning. (e.g., "Her obstinacy is legendary.")
- Obstinate (adj.): Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action. (e.g., "an obstinate refusal")
- Obstinately (adv.): In a stubbornly unyielding manner. (e.g., "He obstinately held his ground.")
Synonyms
- Stubbornness
- Intransigence
- Inflexibility
- Pigheadedness (informal, stronger)
- Mulishness
Antonyms
- Flexibility
- Compliance
- Acquiescence
- Reasonableness
- Tractability
Notes on Meaning
The word carries a generally negative connotation, implying an unreasonable or frustrating level of stubbornness. While similar to "persistence" or "determination," obstinance lacks their positive connotations of admirable resolve.
Noun
-
resolute adherence to your own ideas or desires
-
the trait of being difficult to handle or overcome
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