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Obstinacy: meaning, definitions and examples

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obstinacy

 

[ ˈɒbstɪnəsi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

behavior

Obstinacy refers to the quality of being stubborn or refusing to change one's opinion or course of action despite attempts to persuade otherwise. It is characterized by a firm and fixed determination to stick to one's own will or desires.

Synonyms

inflexibility, rigidity, stubbornness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
obstinacy

Duplicate of the first entry. Please see the initial explanation for 'obstinacy'.

  • Not applicable as this is a duplicate
stubbornness

Commonly used in casual or everyday conversation to describe someone's persistent refusal to change their mind or behavior, especially when it seems irrational. Generally has a negative connotation.

  • His stubbornness about not asking for directions made us late
inflexibility

Applicable when discussing situations or policies where there is little to no room for change or accommodation. Can be used in both personal and professional contexts. Usually has a negative connotation as it implies an inability to adapt.

  • The inflexibility of the company's policies makes it hard for employees to balance work and life
rigidity

Appropriate for describing conditions, rules, or structures that are strictly controlled and allow no flexibility. Can also be used in physical descriptions. Often used formally or technically.

  • The rigidity of the new curriculum does not cater to students with different learning styles

Examples of usage

  • Her obstinacy in refusing to compromise led to the breakdown of negotiations.
  • Despite numerous warnings, his obstinacy prevented him from seeking help.
  • His obstinacy in following his own ideas often resulted in conflict with others.

Translations

Translations of the word "obstinacy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obstinação

🇮🇳 हठ

🇩🇪 Eigensinn

🇮🇩 keras kepala

🇺🇦 упертість

🇵🇱 upór

🇯🇵 頑固

🇫🇷 obstination

🇪🇸 obstinación

🇹🇷 inatçılık

🇰🇷 고집

🇸🇦 عناد

🇨🇿 umíněnost

🇸🇰 umienosť

🇨🇳 固执

🇸🇮 trmoglavost

🇮🇸 þrjóska

🇰🇿 қырсықтық

🇬🇪 ჯიუტობა

🇦🇿 inadkarlıq

🇲🇽 obstinación

Etymology

The word 'obstinacy' originated from the Latin word 'obstinātia', which means 'resoluteness' or 'persistence'. Over time, it evolved to refer to a more negative trait of stubbornness or inflexibility. The concept of obstinacy has been explored in various philosophical and psychological contexts, highlighting the challenges of dealing with individuals who exhibit this trait.

See also: obstinately.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,240, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.