obstinate

One entry found for obstinate.

Main Entry: ob·sti·nate
Pronunciation: 'äb-st&-n&t
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French obstinat, Latin obstinatus, past participle of obstinare to be resolved, from ob- in the way + -stinare (akin to stare to stand)
1 : perversely adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion <obstinate resistance to change>
2 : not easily subdued, remedied, or removed <obstinate fever>
- ob·sti·nate·ly adverb
- ob·sti·nate·ness noun
synonyms OBSTINATE, DOGGED, STUBBORN, PERTINACIOUS, MULISH mean fixed and unyielding in course or purpose. OBSTINATE implies usually an unreasonable persistence <an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories>. DOGGED suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence <pursued the story with dogged perseverance>. STUBBORN implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable <a person too stubborn to admit error>. PERTINACIOUS suggests an annoying or irksome persistence <a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer>. MULISH implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy <a mulish determination to have his own way>.