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Intransigent: meaning, definitions and examples

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intransigent

 

[ɪnˈtrænsɪdʒənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something.

Synonyms

rigid, stubborn, uncompromising, unyielding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intransigent

Used when describing someone who is utterly unwilling to change their views or agree. Often used in formal contexts.

  • The politician remained intransigent, refusing to negotiate despite the crisis
uncompromising

Used to describe someone who does not want to reach a middle ground or make concessions. It can be both positive, showing strength, or negative, showing unfriendliness.

  • His uncompromising stance on ethical issues won him respect but also many enemies
stubborn

Refers to a person who refuses to change their mind or actions. It can be used in both a mildly negative and neutral context, often in everyday conversations.

  • She was too stubborn to admit that she was wrong
rigid

Describes someone or something that is very strict and inflexible. It can apply to people, rules, or systems and often has a slightly negative connotation.

  • The company’s rigid policies made it difficult for employees to express creativity
unyielding

Describes someone or something that does not give way under pressure. Often used to show admiration for someone's strength of character but can also have a negative connotation if overused.

  • Her unyielding determination helped her overcome many obstacles

Examples of usage

  • He is known for his intransigent attitude towards any compromise.
  • The intransigent employee refused to follow the new company policy.
Context #2 | Noun

person

A person who is unwilling to compromise or agree to a change in their views.

Synonyms

diehard, dogmatic, hardliner, obstinate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intransigent

This word is used when someone is unyielding and refuses to change their opinions or behavior, even when others think it's unreasonable. It's neutral but can have a slight negative connotation when someone’s rigidity causes issues.

  • Despite the team's best efforts, the manager remained intransigent on the decision to cut costs
hardliner

Describes someone with strict or inflexible views, often used in political contexts. This term is neutral but can suggest a lack of willingness to compromise.

  • The hardliner in the party was against any form of negotiation with the opposing side
diehard

This term typically describes someone who is fervently loyal to a particular set of beliefs or practices and is resistant to change. It often carries a more neutral tone but can imply stubbornness.

  • John is a diehard fan of the old rock band and refuses to accept any new music
obstinate

This word is used to describe someone who stubbornly refuses to change their opinion or action despite attempts to persuade them to do so. It has a negative connotation, often suggesting unreasonable stubbornness.

  • The child was obstinate about not eating his vegetables, no matter what his parents said
dogmatic

This word is used to refer to someone who strongly expresses their beliefs as if they are indisputable facts. It has a negative connotation, implying close-mindedness.

  • Her dogmatic attitude in the meetings often stifled open discussion and innovation

Examples of usage

  • The intransigent refused to attend the meeting and discuss the issue.
  • She was labeled as an intransigent by her colleagues due to her inflexible stance.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Derived from the Latin word 'intransigens', which means 'uncompromising'.
  • The prefix 'in-' means 'not', while 'transigent' comes from 'transigere', meaning 'to come to an agreement'.
  • The word first appeared in English in the early 19th century.

Psychology

  • Individuals described as intransigent often exhibit strong cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, where they favor information confirming their beliefs.
  • This behavior can be linked to the desire for cognitive consistency, leading to steadfastness in opinions.
  • Intransigence can aggravate conflicts, as parties refuse to budge, which can hinder constructive dialogue.

Politics

  • Politicians sometimes embrace an intransigent stance to appeal to their base, asserting strong beliefs to galvanize support.
  • Intransigence in negotiations can lead to stalemates, preventing progress on critical issues.
  • Historical figures like Thomas Jefferson faced criticism for being intransigent during debates over political ideologies.

Literature

  • Intransigent characters are often depicted in literature as obstacles to progress, creating tension in the plots.
  • Classic works like Shakespeare's plays feature intransigent figures, showcasing the struggle between differing beliefs.
  • The theme of stubbornness often highlights moral dilemmas and the complexities of human nature.

Pop Culture

  • Films often portray intransigent characters as villains, strengthening their opposition to the protagonist's goals.
  • Reality shows highlight intransigent personalities, revealing how difficult group dynamics can become when individuals refuse to compromise.
  • Songs frequently explore themes of stubbornness and unwillingness to change, resonating with audiences' experiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "intransigent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intransigente

🇮🇳 अविचलित

🇩🇪 unversöhnlich

🇮🇩 tak kenal kompromi

🇺🇦 непохитний

🇵🇱 nieugięty

🇯🇵 妥協しない

🇫🇷 intransigeant

🇪🇸 intransigente

🇹🇷 uzlaşmaz

🇰🇷 타협하지 않는

🇸🇦 غير متهاون

🇨🇿 neústupný

🇸🇰 neústupný

🇨🇳 不妥协的

🇸🇮 nepopustljiv

🇮🇸 ósveigjanlegur

🇰🇿 ымырасыз

🇬🇪 უცვლელი

🇦🇿 barışmaz

🇲🇽 intransigente

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,334, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.