Stubbornness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
stubbornness
[หstสbษrnหnษs ]
Definitions
personality trait
Stubbornness is the quality of being determined to do what you want and refusing to change your mind, even when others disagree.
Synonyms
inflexibility, obstinacy, rigidity.
Examples of usage
- She inherited her mother's stubbornness.
- His stubbornness often leads to arguments with his friends.
- Her stubbornness can be both a strength and a weakness.
behavior
Stubbornness can also refer to the refusal to give up or yield, even in the face of challenges or difficulties.
Synonyms
persistence, resilience, tenacity.
Examples of usage
- His stubbornness in pursuing his goals paid off in the end.
- The team's stubbornness in the game led to their victory.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Psychologists sometimes link stubbornness to a strong sense of self-identity, where individuals resist change to maintain their beliefs.
- It can also be related to cognitive dissonance, where a person struggles with conflicting ideas and holds on tightly to their existing views.
- Research indicates that stubbornness can be both a protective mechanism and a barrier to personal growth, depending on the context.
Pop Culture
- Characters in literature and films, like stubborn heroes or villains, are often portrayed as unyielding, which makes for compelling storytelling.
- The phrase 'stubborn as a mule' appears frequently in folklore and colloquial sayings, emphasizing its cultural significance.
- In music, stubbornness is sometimes celebrated in songs about love and independence, highlighting the strength in sticking to oneโs beliefs.
Historical Perspectives
- Throughout history, leaders like Napoleon Bonaparte were known for their stubbornness, which could inspire loyalty but also lead to downfall.
- In ancient cultures, stubbornness was sometimes equated with strength, reflecting the value placed on perseverance during challenges.
- Various historical figures, such as Rosa Parks, displayed what many would call stubbornness in their determination to create change.
Cultural Expressions
- Different cultures have sayings that reflect the concept of stubbornness, such as 'A hard head makes a soft behind' in some African cultures, emphasizing the consequences.
- In Japanese culture, being overly stubborn can be viewed negatively, with the idea that flexibility is more respected.
- In contrast, in Western cultures, stubbornness is often valorized, especially in business and politics, as a sign of dedication.
Origin of 'stubbornness'
Main points about word origin
- The word has roots in the Middle English term 'stubborn', which is derived from the Old French word 'estourbi', meaning 'confused' or 'stunned'.
- Another suggestion is that it comes from the Latin 'stupor', referring to a state of numbness or confusion.
- Stubbornness as a concept has been noted in various cultures, often viewed as both a virtue and a vice.
The word 'stubbornness' originated from the Middle English word 'stiborn', which meant 'inflexible or unyielding'. Over time, it evolved to include the current meaning of being determined and refusing to change. Stubbornness has been a characteristic associated with both positive traits like perseverance and negative traits like obstinacy.
See also: stubborn, stubbornly.