obstinate
What does "obstinate" mean?
Obstinate describes someone who stubbornly refuses to change their opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade them to do otherwise. It carries a strong mental image of someone digging their heels into the ground, immovable and fixed in their position, often to the point of being unreasonable. While "stubborn" is a neutral or slightly negative term, "obstinate" carries a more formal and critical weight. It is typically used when someone’s refusal to budge is seen as particularly difficult or obstructive. It is a common collocation to be "obstinate about" a specific policy or "obstinate in" one's refusal to cooperate.
"obstinate" in conversation
Workplace disagreement
I really think we need to try the new software.
I really think we need to try the new software.
I'm not switching. It's a waste of time.
I'm not switching. It's a waste of time.
You're being incredibly obstinate about this.
You're being incredibly obstinate about this.
Used to criticize someone for refusing to consider a logical alternative.
Discussing a child's behavior
She won't eat her vegetables no matter what I say.
She won't eat her vegetables no matter what I say.
She's just being obstinate because she knows it frustrates you.
She's just being obstinate because she knows it frustrates you.
Highlights the willful nature of the defiance.
"obstinate" in a sentence
He was obstinate and refused to listen to reason.
He was obstinate and refused to listen to reason.
The child remained obstinate despite his mother's gentle encouragement.
The child remained obstinate despite his mother's gentle encouragement.
Despite the overwhelming evidence against his theory, the professor remained obstinate in his original conclusions.
Despite the overwhelming evidence against his theory, the professor remained obstinate in his original conclusions.
