adj
obstinate
OB-stih-nuht
Obstinate (adj) means refusing to change one's opinion or course of action, often unreasonably so. Example: “He was too obstinate to admit he'd taken the wrong turn.”
adj
1
Refusing to change one's opinion or course of action, often unreasonably so.
"He was too obstinate to admit he'd taken the wrong turn."
"The obstinate stain wouldn't come out no matter what she tried."
How to use obstinate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStubbornly sticking to a position, even when it's unreasonable.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
obstinate refusal
remain obstinate
obstinate stain
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more obstinate
- Superlative
- most obstinate
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He was too _____ to admit he'd taken the wrong turn.
Etymology
From Latin obstinatus, past participle of obstinare, "to set one's mind firmly on something", from ob- plus stare, "to stand".
Synonyms
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persistent
stubborn
pertinacious
adamant
ardent
grim
bent on
bullheaded
certain
chronic
confirmed
determined
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for obstinate
See all rhymes for obstinate →Frequently asked questions
What does “obstinate” mean?
The word “obstinate” means refusing to change one's opinion or course of action, often unreasonably so. In plain terms, stubbornly sticking to a position, even when it's unreasonable.
How do you pronounce “obstinate”?
“Obstinate” is pronounced OB-stih-nuht (/ˈɑb.stə.nət/ in IPA).
How do you use “obstinate” in a sentence?
Here is “obstinate” used in a sentence: “He was too obstinate to admit he'd taken the wrong turn.”
What is another word for “obstinate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “obstinate” include persistent, stubborn, pertinacious, adamant, ardent and grim.
What is the opposite of “obstinate”?
The opposite of “obstinate” — its antonyms — are compromising, transigent, flexible, sycophantic and yielding.
What part of speech is “obstinate”?
“Obstinate” is an adjective.
Where does the word “obstinate” come from?
The word “obstinate” comes from Latin. From Latin obstinatus, past participle of obstinare, "to set one's mind firmly on something", from ob- plus stare, "to stand".
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