— stubbornly , adv. — stubbornness , n.
/stub"euhrn/ , adj.
1. unreasonably obstinate; obstinately unmoving: a stubborn child.
2. fixed or set in purpose or opinion; resolute: a stubborn opponent of foreign aid.
3. obstinately maintained, as a course of action: a stubborn resistance.
4. difficult to manage or suppress: a stubborn horse; a stubborn pain.
5. hard, tough, or stiff, as stone or wood; difficult to shape or work.
[ 1350-1400; ME stiborn ( e ), styborne, stuborn ]
Syn. 1. contrary, intractable, refractory, unyielding, headstrong, obdurate. 2. persevering. STUBBORN, DOGGED, OBSTINATE, PERSISTENT imply fixity of purpose or condition and resistance to change. STUBBORN and OBSTINATE both imply resistance to advice, entreaty, remonstrance, or force; but STUBBORN implies more of innate quality and is the more frequently used when referring to inanimate things: stubborn disposition; stubborn difficulties. DOGGED implies pertinacity and grimness in doing something, esp. in the face of discouragements: dogged determination. PERSISTENT implies having staying or lasting qualities, resoluteness, and perseverance: persistent questioning.
Ant. 1. tractable. 2. irresolute.