Obdurate: meaning, definitions and examples

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obdurate

[ˈɒbdjʊrɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

stubborn

Refusing to change one's opinion or course of action despite attempts to persuade one to do so.

Synonyms

adamant, firm, inflexible, stubborn, unyielding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
obdurate	Used to describe someone who is extremely stubborn in a way that refuses to change opinion or action. Often has a negative connotation. She was obdurate in her decision to not apologize, despite knowing she was wrong. His obdurate stance on the issue frustrated his colleagues.
stubborn	Used to describe someone who is unwilling to change their opinion or course of action, often in a negative sense. She was too stubborn to ask for directions, even though they were lost. His stubborn refusal to update his skills hindered his career growth.
inflexible	Describes someone who is not willing to adapt or change their opinions or methods. Often carries a negative connotation. The inflexible policies of the company caused frustration among the employees. His inflexible nature made it difficult for him to compromise in relationships.
unyielding	Describes someone who does not give in to others' demands or pressures, often conveying determination and strength. Her unyielding commitment to social justice was inspiring. Despite the challenges, he remained unyielding in his pursuit of his goals.
adamant	Describes someone who is very firm and unshakeable in their beliefs or opinions. Generally used when someone is very determined. He was adamant that he would not change his plans for the weekend. Despite the criticism, she remained adamant about her artistic vision.
firm	Used when someone is strong and steady in their beliefs or actions, often with a positive tone. She gave a firm handshake when she introduced herself. He was firm in his decision to pursue a career in medicine.

Examples of usage

He is obdurate in his refusal to compromise.
No amount of reasoning could soften her obdurate stance.
The obdurate child refused to eat his vegetables.
Despite the evidence presented, he remained obdurate in his beliefs.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

unmoved

Not easily moved to pity or sympathy; hard-hearted.

Synonyms

callous, cold-hearted, insensitive, ruthless, unfeeling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
obdurate	This word is often used to describe someone who is stubborn and refuses to change their mind or attitude. It implies a certain level of determination and unyielding nature. Despite all the evidence, he remained obdurate in his beliefs. The judge was obdurate and handed down the maximum sentence.
unfeeling	Describes someone who shows a lack of sensitivity to others' emotions and situations. It is similar to 'callous' but can be slightly less intense. His unfeeling response to the disaster was shocking. The bureaucrat's unfeeling attitude towards the victims sparked outrage.
callous	Typically describes someone who is emotionally hardened and unfeeling toward the suffering of others. It has a negative connotation. Her callous remarks about the tragedy shocked everyone. He showed a callous disregard for the feelings of others.
cold-hearted	Used to describe someone who lacks empathy and compassion. This word often implies a severe emotional detachment. It's hard to understand how anyone could be so cold-hearted. The villain in the story was notoriously cold-hearted.
insensitive	Describes someone who fails to be aware of or considerate of others' feelings. It is usually less severe than 'callous' or 'cold-hearted'. Making jokes about someone's appearance is very insensitive. Her insensitive comments made him feel worse about the situation.
ruthless	Implies a willingness to be cruel or harsh in order to achieve one's goals. Often used in the context of competition or power. The ruthless businessman didn't care who he had to step on to succeed. She was ruthless in her pursuit of the championship.

Examples of usage

Her obdurate attitude towards the suffering of others was disheartening.
The judge's obdurate response shocked the courtroom.
Despite the emotional plea, he remained obdurate in his decision.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin term 'obduratus', meaning 'hardened' or 'stubborn'.
In medieval English, it became associated with an unyielding or hard attitude.
The first known use of the word in English dates back to the 15th century.

Literature

Charles Dickens often used 'obdurate' to describe his characters' emotional resistance, highlighting themes of redemption.
Shakespeare employed the term to depict characters with unchanging hearts in plays like 'Romeo and Juliet'.
The word has been used in various literary works to illustrate moral rigidity and refusal to accept change.

Psychology

Being obdurate can be a way to protect oneself from perceived threats, indicating an avoidance of vulnerability.
Stubbornness may be linked to certain personality types, particularly those demonstrating high levels of conscientiousness.
Obduracy can be a defense mechanism to maintain control in uncertain situations, often leading to relational challenges.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Socrates argued that being obdurate can hinder personal growth and wisdom.
The concept of stubbornness has been examined in various ethical discussions about moral responsibility.
In existentialist thought, obduracy is often viewed as a form of bad faith, where one refuses to confront the true nature of their situation.

Pop Culture

In various films, characters display obdurate traits, often leading to dramatic conflict, such as in 'A Few Good Men'.
The term is sometimes humorously used in social media memes to describe people who won’t change their opinions, regardless of evidence.
Fictional villains often showcase obdurate characteristics, making them more formidable adversaries.

Translations

Translations of the word "obdurate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obstinado

🇮🇳 अड़ियल

🇩🇪 hartnäckig

🇮🇩 keras kepala

🇺🇦 затятий

🇵🇱 nieustępliwy

🇯🇵 頑固な (ganko na)

🇫🇷 obstiné

🇪🇸 obstinado

🇹🇷 inatçı

🇰🇷 완고한 (wangohan)

🇸🇦 عنيد

🇨🇿 tvrdohlavý

🇸🇰 tvrdohlavý

🇨🇳 顽固的 (wángù de)

🇸🇮 trmast

🇮🇸 þrjóskur

🇰🇿 қырсық

🇬🇪 ჯიუტი

🇦🇿 inadkar

🇲🇽 obstinado

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,004, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
25001 spendthrift
25002 jigsaw
25003 broiled
25004 obdurate
25005 iota
25006 penile
25007 hillock
...