obstinate 🔊
Meaning of obstinate
Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade.
Key Difference
While 'obstinate' implies a strong, often unreasonable adherence to one's position, its synonyms may vary in intensity or context—some may suggest persistence without negative connotations.
Example of obstinate
- Despite overwhelming evidence, the obstinate scientist refused to accept the new theory.
- The obstinate child crossed his arms and refused to eat his vegetables.
Synonyms
stubborn 🔊
Meaning of stubborn
Determined not to change one's attitude or position, often unreasonably.
Key Difference
Stubborn is a more general term, while obstinate implies a more unyielding and sometimes irrational persistence.
Example of stubborn
- The stubborn mule wouldn’t move no matter how much the farmer tugged.
- Her stubborn refusal to apologize only made the situation worse.
adamant 🔊
Meaning of adamant
Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind.
Key Difference
Adamant often suggests firmness based on strong conviction, whereas obstinate can imply unreasonable rigidity.
Example of adamant
- The judge was adamant that the defendant would face consequences.
- Despite the backlash, she remained adamant about her decision.
unyielding 🔊
Meaning of unyielding
Not giving way to pressure; firm or inflexible.
Key Difference
Unyielding is more neutral and can describe physical or metaphorical rigidity, while obstinate is more negative and personality-focused.
Example of unyielding
- The unyielding steel beam supported the weight of the entire structure.
- His unyielding stance on the issue left no room for negotiation.
headstrong 🔊
Meaning of headstrong
Self-willed and determined to do as one pleases.
Key Difference
Headstrong implies impulsive determination, while obstinate suggests prolonged resistance.
Example of headstrong
- The headstrong teenager dropped out of school against her parents' wishes.
- His headstrong attitude often led him into trouble.
inflexible 🔊
Meaning of inflexible
Unwilling to change or compromise.
Key Difference
Inflexible often refers to rules or systems, while obstinate is more about personal behavior.
Example of inflexible
- The company’s inflexible policies frustrated many employees.
- Her inflexible schedule made it hard to plan meetings.
dogged 🔊
Meaning of dogged
Persistent in effort; stubbornly tenacious.
Key Difference
Dogged can have a positive connotation of perseverance, while obstinate is usually negative.
Example of dogged
- His dogged determination helped him finish the marathon despite his injury.
- The detective’s dogged pursuit of the truth finally paid off.
mulish 🔊
Meaning of mulish
Stubborn and intractable, like a mule.
Key Difference
Mulish is more informal and emphasizes extreme, irrational stubbornness.
Example of mulish
- His mulish refusal to listen to advice cost him the deal.
- She gave a mulish glare when asked to help.
intransigent 🔊
Meaning of intransigent
Unwilling to change one's views or agree about something.
Key Difference
Intransigent often applies to political or ideological rigidity, while obstinate is more personal.
Example of intransigent
- The intransigent senator blocked all attempts at compromise.
- Both sides remained intransigent, leading to a prolonged stalemate.
pertinacious 🔊
Meaning of pertinacious
Holding firmly to an opinion or course of action.
Key Difference
Pertinacious is a more formal term and can imply admirable persistence, whereas obstinate is usually negative.
Example of pertinacious
- Her pertinacious efforts led to a breakthrough in the research.
- The lawyer’s pertinacious questioning exposed the witness’s lies.
Conclusion
- Obstinate describes someone who refuses to change their mind, often unreasonably.
- Stubborn can be used in everyday situations where someone is uncooperative.
- Adamant is best when someone stands firm due to strong beliefs.
- Unyielding works well for describing rigid structures or uncompromising attitudes.
- Headstrong fits when someone acts impulsively against advice.
- Inflexible is ideal for describing rigid systems or rules.
- Dogged is great for praising persistent effort.
- Mulish should be used for extreme, irrational stubbornness.
- Intransigent applies to political or ideological rigidity.
- Pertinacious is a formal term for persistent determination.