OBSTINACY • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Obstinacy

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/ˈɑbstənəsi/ Listen

noun

Obstinacy n.

A fixedness in will, opinion, or resolution that can not be shaken at all, or only with great difficulty; firm and usually unreasonable adherence to an opinion, purpose, or system; unyielding disposition; stubborness; pertinacity; persistency; contumacy. "You do not well in obstinacy To cavil in the course of this contract." "To shelter their ignorance, or obstinacy, under the obscurity of their terms."

The quality or state of being difficult to remedy, relieve, or subdue; as, the obstinacy of a disease or evil.

Synonyms: Pertinacity; firmness; resoluteness; inflexibility; persistency; stubbornness; perverseness; contumacy. Obstinacy, Pertinacity. Pertinacity denotes great firmness in holding to a thing, aim, etc. Obstinacy is great firmness in holding out against persuasion, attack, etc. The former consists in adherence, the latter in resistance. An opinion is advocated with pertinacity or defended with obstinacy. Pertinacity is often used in a good sense; obstinacy generally in a bad one. "In this reply was included a very gross mistake, and if with pertinacity maintained, a capital error." "Every degree of obstinacy in youth is one step to rebellion."

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Etymology of 'Obstinacy'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Obstinacy" Quotes from Famous Books

... in this manner from September 25, 1915, to October 3, 1915, with fierce perseverance against stubborn opposition. The Germans poured a continuous stream of reenforcements into the section and offered a resistance that has rarely been equaled for obstinacy and courage. According to French reports, they stood up to be shot down—the machine-gun men at their guns, the grenadiers on their grenade chests. Every attempt at counterattacking failed them. Having the heights of Massiges in their possession enabled the French to extend their gains ...

— The Story of the Great War, Volume IV (of 8) • Francis J. (Francis Joseph) Reynolds, Allen L. (Allen Leon)

... rose and paced the floor with the restlessness of a caged leopard. At the black window he halted to gaze out on the bitterness of the night. The ultimatum of his father's obstinacy galled him beyond endurance. He heard himself pledged to the emptiness and futility of a life-sentence which he loathed; from which he was seeking escape and his soul clamored to rise in its vehement repudiation. Yet he felt that just now his heart was in too hot a conflagration to make speech ...

— Destiny • Charles Neville Buck

... that "the taste of Senna may be concealed by sweeting the infusion, [Footnote: Infusion of Senna may be procured of any respectable druggist. It will take about one or two table-spoonfuls, or even more, of the infusion (according to the age of the child, and the obstinacy of the bowels), to act as an aperient. Of course, you yourself will be able, from time to time, as the need arises, to add the milk and the sugar, and thus to make it palatable. It ought to be given warm, ...

— Advice to a Mother on the Management of her Children • Pye Henry Chavasse

... I cannot keep still while Nora is in danger! I must help in the search for her," insisted Hannah, with the obstinacy of a loving heart, as she wrapped her shawl more closely around her shoulders and followed the old man out in the midnight storm. It was still snowing very fast. Her guide went a step in front with the lantern, throwing a feeble light upon the soft white ...

— Ishmael - In the Depths • Mrs. E. D. E. N. Southworth

... and he said that some of the best lessons were taught in the Folk Lore of the plantation negro. One of his sermons was on "Obstinacy," illustrated by a story told him by ...

— Literary Hearthstones of Dixie • La Salle Corbell Pickett

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