English Explanatory Dictionary

obstinate

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj

Stubbornly adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course, usually with implied unreasonableness; persistent.
Of an inanimate object, not easily subdued or removed.
Of a facial feature or expression, fixed and unmoving.

Pronunciation

/ˈɒb.stɪ.nət/ /ˈɒb.stɪ.nɪt/ äb'stənət /ˈɑb.stə.nət/ /ˈɑb.stə.nɪt/ en-us-obstinate.ogg

Word forms

obstinate more obstinate most obstinate obstinant

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English obstinat(e) (“obstinate, stubborn”), from Latin obstinātus, perfect passive participle of obstinō (“set one's mind firmly upon, resolve”) (see -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from ob (“before”) + *stinare, from stare (“to stand”). Doublet of ostinato.

Synonyms

persistent stubborn pertinacious adamant ardent grim bent on bullheaded certain chronic confirmed determined diehard dogged hard-hearted hard-nosed hardheaded headstrong immovable incalcitrant inflexible irrefragable insistent intractable intransigent intrepid inveterate mulish obdurate obstinate obstreperous peevish peremptory pigheaded recalcitrant refractory resolute resolved rigid self-willed stalwart staunch steadfast steady stubborn as a mule sullen tenacious terminal thran thwart tough truculent unbending uncompromising unyielding vehement wilful willful bloody-minded unrelenting

Antonyms

compromising transigent flexible sycophantic yielding

Related words

recidivist contrary obstinacy persist

Derived words

obstinacy obstinately obstinateness unobstinate

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