adj.
Pronunciation: ' äb-st ə -n ə t
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French obstinat, Latin obstinatus, past participle of obstinare to be resolved, from ob- in the way + -stinare (akin to stare to stand)
Date: 14th century
1 : perversely adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion < obstinate resistance to change>
2 : not easily subdued, remedied, or removed < obstinate fever>
– ob · sti · nate · ly adverb
– ob · sti · nate · ness noun
synonyms OBSTINATE , DOGGED , STUBBORN , PERTINACIOUS , MULISH mean fixed and unyielding in course or purpose. OBSTINATE implies usually an unreasonable persistence <an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories>. DOGGED suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence <pursued the story with dogged perseverance>. STUBBORN implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable <a person too stubborn to admit error>. PERTINACIOUS suggests an annoying or irksome persistence <a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer>. MULISH implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy <a mulish determination to have his own way>.