obstinate
/'ɔbstinit/
Definition
Adjective:
- Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action despite attempts to persuade one to do so: Describes a person who is unreasonably determined to have their own way.
- Difficult to deal with, remove, or overcome: Describes a problem, condition, or thing that is persistent and hard to resolve.
Verb (rare):
- To persist stubbornly: To adhere stubbornly to an opinion, purpose, or course of action.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- He was too obstinate to admit he was wrong.
- The obstinate stain would not come out of the fabric.
- Her obstinate refusal to compromise ended the negotiations.
Verb:
- He obstinated in his denial despite the evidence. (This usage is very rare and often considered archaic or nonstandard.)
Advanced Usage
"Obstinate in one's refusal": Emphasizes a stubborn persistence in saying no.
- The prisoner was obstinate in his refusal to name his accomplices.
"Obstinate silence": A stubborn, unyielding refusal to speak.
- He maintained an obstinate silence throughout the interrogation.
Variants and Related Words
Obstinacy (noun): The quality or state of being obstinate; stubbornness.
- Her obstinacy made it impossible to reach an agreement.
Obstinately (adverb): In a stubbornly unyielding manner.
- He obstinately clung to his outdated beliefs.
Synonyms
- Stubborn: Having or showing dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position.
- Pigheaded: Stupidly obstinate.
- Intransigent: Unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something.
- Inflexible: Unwilling to change or compromise.
Antonyms
- Compliant: Inclined to agree with others or obey rules.
- Amenable: Open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled.
- Tractable: Easy to control or influence.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- As obstinate as a mule: Extremely stubborn. (Note: This is a simile using "obstinate" for comparison.)
- Once he gets an idea in his head, he's as obstinate as a mule.
Adjective
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resistant to guidance or discipline
-
Mary Mary quite contrary
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an obstinate child with a violent temper
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a perverse mood
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wayward behavior
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stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing
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tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield
Verb
-
persist stubbornly
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he obstinates himself against all rational arguments
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