obdurate 🔊
Meaning of obdurate
Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action despite persuasion or moral pressure.
Key Difference
Unlike similar words like 'stubborn' or 'adamant,' 'obdurate' implies a hardened resistance often with a moral or emotional indifference to appeals.
Example of obdurate
- The dictator remained obdurate despite international pleas to step down.
- Her obdurate refusal to apologize only worsened the situation.
Synonyms
stubborn 🔊
Meaning of stubborn
Having or showing determination not to change one's attitude or position.
Key Difference
While 'stubborn' is a general term for resistance, 'obdurate' suggests a more unyielding and often callous attitude.
Example of stubborn
- The stubborn child refused to eat his vegetables.
- He was stubborn about sticking to his outdated methods.
adamant 🔊
Meaning of adamant
Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind.
Key Difference
'Adamant' can imply firmness without the negative connotation of emotional hardness that 'obdurate' carries.
Example of adamant
- She was adamant about finishing the project on her own.
- Despite the criticism, he remained adamant in his decision.
inflexible 🔊
Meaning of inflexible
Unwilling to change or compromise.
Key Difference
'Inflexible' focuses more on rigidity in rules or methods, while 'obdurate' emphasizes emotional resistance.
Example of inflexible
- The company's inflexible policies frustrated employees.
- His inflexible stance left no room for negotiation.
unyielding 🔊
Meaning of unyielding
Not giving way to pressure or persuasion.
Key Difference
'Unyielding' can be neutral or positive, whereas 'obdurate' often implies a harsh or unreasonable stance.
Example of unyielding
- The unyielding mountain stood firm against the storm.
- Her unyielding dedication inspired her team.
intransigent 🔊
Meaning of intransigent
Unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree.
Key Difference
'Intransigent' is often used in political or ideological contexts, while 'obdurate' is broader and can apply to personal stubbornness.
Example of intransigent
- The intransigent senator blocked all attempts at compromise.
- Their intransigent attitude prolonged the conflict.
headstrong 🔊
Meaning of headstrong
Self-willed and obstinate.
Key Difference
'Headstrong' implies impulsive determination, while 'obdurate' suggests a more settled and unfeeling resistance.
Example of headstrong
- The headstrong teenager ignored all advice.
- His headstrong behavior often led to trouble.
mulish 🔊
Meaning of mulish
Stubborn and intractable, like a mule.
Key Difference
'Mulish' is more informal and emphasizes irrational stubbornness, whereas 'obdurate' carries a tone of moral indifference.
Example of mulish
- His mulish refusal to listen annoyed everyone.
- She gave a mulish glare and crossed her arms.
implacable 🔊
Meaning of implacable
Unable to be appeased or pacified.
Key Difference
'Implacable' focuses on relentless hostility, while 'obdurate' centers on resistance to change.
Example of implacable
- The victim's family was implacable in their demand for justice.
- His implacable anger made reconciliation impossible.
dogged 🔊
Meaning of dogged
Having or showing tenacity and grim persistence.
Key Difference
'Dogged' can be positive, implying perseverance, while 'obdurate' is almost always negative.
Example of dogged
- Her dogged determination helped her overcome obstacles.
- He pursued the truth with dogged resolve.
Conclusion
- Use 'obdurate' when describing someone who is not only stubborn but also indifferent to reason or appeals.
- 'Stubborn' is a more general term suitable for everyday situations without the harshness of 'obdurate.'
- 'Adamant' works well when someone is firmly resolved but not necessarily unfeeling.
- 'Inflexible' is best for describing rigid systems or rules rather than emotional resistance.
- 'Unyielding' can describe both people and objects, often with a neutral or positive tone.
- 'Intransigent' is ideal for political or ideological standoffs where compromise is refused.
- 'Headstrong' fits when describing impulsive and self-willed stubbornness.
- 'Mulish' is a colloquial choice for irrational and petty stubbornness.
- 'Implacable' should be used for unrelenting hostility or vengeance.
- 'Dogged' is perfect for praising persistent effort despite difficulties.