obduracy 🔊
Meaning of obduracy
The quality of being stubbornly resistant to change or persuasion; unyieldingness.
Key Difference
Obduracy implies a hardened, often unreasonable resistance, whereas synonyms like 'stubbornness' may lack the same intensity of inflexibility.
Example of obduracy
- Despite overwhelming evidence, the politician's obduracy prevented him from changing his stance on the issue.
- Her obduracy in negotiations led to the eventual collapse of the peace talks.
Synonyms
stubbornness 🔊
Meaning of stubbornness
The trait of being unreasonably unwilling to change one's mind or course of action.
Key Difference
Stubbornness is a general refusal to change, while obduracy suggests a more hardened, unrelenting resistance.
Example of stubbornness
- His stubbornness made it impossible to convince him to try a different approach.
- The stubbornness of the old regime delayed necessary reforms for years.
inflexibility 🔊
Meaning of inflexibility
Unwillingness to adapt or compromise.
Key Difference
Inflexibility refers to a rigid adherence to a position, whereas obduracy carries a stronger connotation of defiance.
Example of inflexibility
- The inflexibility of the school's rules frustrated both students and parents.
- Her inflexibility in scheduling caused unnecessary delays in the project.
intransigence 🔊
Meaning of intransigence
Refusal to change one's views or to agree about something.
Key Difference
Intransigence often implies a principled but unyielding stance, while obduracy may suggest irrational stubbornness.
Example of intransigence
- The intransigence of both sides prolonged the conflict indefinitely.
- His intransigence on the matter alienated even his closest allies.
adamance 🔊
Meaning of adamance
Firmness in purpose or opinion; unshakable resolve.
Key Difference
Adamance can be positive or neutral, while obduracy usually has a negative connotation.
Example of adamance
- She spoke with adamance, refusing to back down from her demands.
- His adamance in pursuing justice inspired many others to join the cause.
pertinacity 🔊
Meaning of pertinacity
Persistent determination, often to an excessive degree.
Key Difference
Pertinacity can imply admirable persistence, whereas obduracy suggests an unreasonable refusal to yield.
Example of pertinacity
- Her pertinacity in solving the puzzle finally paid off after hours of effort.
- The detective's pertinacity led to the breakthrough in the cold case.
doggedness 🔊
Meaning of doggedness
Stubborn perseverance; tenacity.
Key Difference
Doggedness often has a neutral or positive tone, while obduracy is usually negative.
Example of doggedness
- His doggedness in training earned him a spot on the national team.
- The team's doggedness ensured they completed the project against all odds.
mulishness 🔊
Meaning of mulishness
Extreme stubbornness, like that of a mule.
Key Difference
Mulishness is more informal and implies irrational stubbornness, similar to obduracy but often with a humorous tone.
Example of mulishness
- His mulishness made it impossible to convince him to take a different route.
- The child's mulishness turned a simple request into a prolonged battle.
recalcitrance 🔊
Meaning of recalcitrance
Stubborn resistance to authority or control.
Key Difference
Recalcitrance implies defiance, while obduracy focuses on unyielding resistance.
Example of recalcitrance
- The prisoner's recalcitrance made him difficult to manage.
- Her recalcitrance in following instructions led to disciplinary action.
obstinacy 🔊
Meaning of obstinacy
Stubborn adherence to an opinion or course of action.
Key Difference
Obstinacy is very close to obduracy but may lack the same intensity of hardened resistance.
Example of obstinacy
- His obstinacy in refusing medical treatment worsened his condition.
- The obstinacy of the council blocked progress on the new policy.
Conclusion
- Obduracy describes an extreme, often unreasonable resistance to change, making it useful in contexts where stubbornness is particularly rigid or defiant.
- Stubbornness is a more general term and can be used in everyday situations without the same negative intensity as obduracy.
- Inflexibility is best when describing rigid adherence to rules or methods, without the defiance implied by obduracy.
- Intransigence is ideal for describing principled but unyielding stances, especially in political or diplomatic contexts.
- Adamance works well when describing firm resolve, whether positive or negative, without the harshness of obduracy.
- Pertinacity is suitable for describing persistent determination, often in a positive or neutral light.
- Doggedness conveys perseverance and is best used in contexts where persistence is admirable.
- Mulishness is a more informal and humorous way to describe irrational stubbornness.
- Recalcitrance is fitting when describing defiance against authority or control.
- Obstinacy is very similar to obduracy but may be used when the resistance is less extreme.