pertinacious
Definition
Adjective: 1. Holding firmly to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion; stubbornly persistent. This word describes a quality of unwavering, and often obstinate, determination.
Usage and Examples
The adjective "pertinacious" is a formal term used to describe a person or their attitude, effort, or adherence to an idea. It often carries a slightly negative connotation of being unreasonably stubborn.
Describing a person's nature:
- He was a pertinacious investigator, refusing to give up on the case even after years with no new leads.
- Her pertinacious optimism in the face of constant setbacks was both admirable and frustrating to her colleagues.
Describing an effort or pursuit:
- The lawyer mounted a pertinacious defense, challenging every piece of evidence.
- Through pertinacious effort, she finally mastered the complex technique.
Describing adherence to a belief:
- He was pertinacious in his belief that the project would succeed, despite all financial forecasts suggesting otherwise.
Advanced Usage and Nuance
- Connotation: While similar to "persistent" or "tenacious," "pertinacious" more strongly implies an obstinate or dogged quality that can be seen as annoying or unreasonable. It suggests holding on firmly.
- Formality: It is a literary or formal word, more likely found in writing than in everyday conversation.
Variants and Related Words
- Pertinaciously (adverb): In a stubbornly persistent manner.
- He argued pertinaciously for his preferred policy.
- Pertinacity (noun): The quality of being pertinacious; stubborn persistence.
- Her pertinacity eventually wore down the opposition.
Synonyms
- Tenacious: Clinging tightly to something. (Often more neutral or positive than "pertinacious.")
- Dogged: Having stubborn persistence.
- Persistent: Continuing firmly in a course of action.
- Obstinate: Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion.
- Stubborn: Unreasonably unyielding.
Antonyms
- Yielding
- Compliant
- Tractable
- Irresolute
Adjective
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stubbornly unyielding
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dogged persistence
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dour determination
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the most vocal and pertinacious of all the critics
-
a mind not gifted to discover truth but tenacious to hold it- T.S.Eliot
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men tenacious of opinion
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