Meaning & Definition of word "Obstinacy"

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    Obstinacy

    /ˈɒbstɪnəsi/

    noun:

    • 1. The quality or condition of being obstinate; stubbornness.
      • Example: His obstinacy in refusing to change his mind led to many disagreements.
    • 2. An unyielding adherence to one’s purpose or opinion, despite reason or persuasion.
      • Example: The obstinacy of the committee made it difficult to reach a consensus on the new policy.
    • 3. A perverse persistence in an opinion or course of action.
      • Example: Her obstinacy in sticking to her original plan, even when it was flawed, surprised her colleagues.

    Etymology

    Middle English obstinacie, from Latin obstinatia, from obstinatus, past participle of obstinare 'to persist in' or 'hold fast.'

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    stubborn as a mule:

    Extremely obstinate or stubborn.

    head in the sand:

    To refuse to acknowledge something unpleasant or to be obstinate.

    dig in one's heels:

    To refuse to change one's attitude or position, similar to being obstinate.

    Related Words

    obstinate:

    Characterized by refusal to change one's opinion or chosen course of action.

    stubborn:

    Having or showing dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position on something.

    tenacious:

    Holding firmly to an opinion or a course of action.

    Slang Meanings of obstinacy

    Meaning: Hard-headed

    Example Sentence: Don't be so hard-headed about it; sometimes you have to listen.

    Meaning: Bull-headed

    Example Sentence: He's being bull-headed again, refusing to consider anyone else's input.