Intransigence: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'intransigens', which means 'not yielding' or 'not giving in'.
• It combines 'in-' (not) with 'transigere' (to come to an agreement), highlighting its meaning of stubbornness.
• The term entered English usage in the 19th century, often in political and social contexts.

Psychology

• Intransigence can be associated with personality traits like rigidity and low openness to experience.
• Hostility towards change can sometimes stem from fear or anxiety about the unknown.
• Psychological studies suggest that high intransigence can lead to conflict in decision-making processes.

Politics

• The term is frequently used to describe negotiations where one party refuses to compromise, impacting diplomatic relations.
• In labor disputes, intransigence can stall negotiations and lead to prolonged strikes or walkouts.
• Historical examples include major peace negotiations where one side’s intransigence led to deadlock.

Sociology

• Some social groups show intransigence to maintain cultural norms, resisting outside influences.
• Intransigence in group dynamics can lead to groupthink, where differing opinions are suppressed to maintain cohesion.
• Social movements often struggle with internal intransigence when members disagree on core strategies or beliefs.

Literature

• In classic literature, characters often represent intransigence, illustrating themes of stubbornness and its consequences.
• Famous works like Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice' explore intransigent characters dealing with their rigid beliefs.
• Modern novels sometimes depict intransigence as a barrier to relationships, highlighting the need for compromise.

At rank #25,892, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 25889 profligacy
• 25890 uncooperative
• 25891 boycotted
• 25892 intransigence
• 25893 scripting
• 25894 quiescence
• 25895 obtrusive
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