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Obstinacy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Obstinacy is the quality of being stubbornly unwilling to change one’s opinion or course of action, often despite reasonable arguments or persuasion. It implies persistent resistance.

obstinacy

/ˈɑbstənəsi/ /ˈɒbstɪnəsi/

Definition:

Stubborn refusal to change one's opinion or course of action despite persuasion.

Synonyms:

Stubbornness, inflexibility, doggedness, intransigence

Part of Speech:

Noun

Antonyms:

Flexibility, compliance

Common Collocations:

Sheer obstinacy, stubborn obstinacy, display obstinacy, overcome obstinacy

Derivatives:

Obstinate, obstinately

Usage Tips:

Use "obstinacy" to describe persistent stubbornness, often in a negative context.

Common Phrases:

Dig in one's heels, stick to one's guns, pigheadedness

Etymology:

From Latin "obstinatus," meaning resolved or determined, often with a negative connotation.

Examples:

  • 1. Her obstinacy made negotiations impossible.
  • 2. He showed obstinacy by refusing all compromises.
  • 3. The child’s obstinacy frustrated the teacher.
  • 4. Overcoming his obstinacy required patience and logic.

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