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general | June 01, 2026

What is the difference between obstinate and obdurate?

As adjectives the difference between obdurate and obstinate

is that obdurate is stubbornly persistent, generally in wrongdoing; refusing to reform or repent while obstinate is stubbornly adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course, usually with implied unreasonableness; persistent.

What does it mean to be obdurate?

Definition of obdurate

1a : stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing an unrepentant, obdurate sinner. b : hardened in feelings The obdurate enemy was merciless.

What's the difference between stubborn and obstinate?

While stubborn may have positive or negative connotations, obstinate is most definitely negative, because it implies a kind of hard-headed determination not to change your mind even when it might be best to rethink your position.

What does it mean to be an obstinate person?

Obstinate, dogged, stubborn, and mulish all mean that someone is unwilling to change course or give up a belief or plan. Obstinate suggests an unreasonable persistence; it's often a negative word.

Is obdurate stubborn?

Obdurate is a formal word meaning stubborn. If you want to major in English, but your parents are obdurate that you should go premed, they might go so far as to threaten not to pay your tuition.

44 related questions found

What commodified means?

Definition of commodify

transitive verb. : to turn (something, such as an intrinsic value or a work of art) into a commodity attempts to commodify the water supply.

What part of speech is obduracy?

OBDURATE (adjective) definition and synonyms | Macmillan Dictionary.

What is the meaning of obstinate girl?

1 adj If you describe someone as obstinate, you are being critical of them because they are very determined to do what they want, and refuse to change their mind or be persuaded to do something else., ( disapproval) (=stubborn)

What is an example of obstinacy?

1a : the quality or state of being obstinate : stubbornness She held to her own opinion with great obstinacy. b : the quality or state of being difficult to remedy, relieve, or subdue the obstinacy of tuberculosis. 2 : an instance of being obstinate irritated by the senator's obstinacies.

What is the synonyms for obstinate?

Some common synonyms of obstinate are dogged, mulish, pertinacious, and stubborn. While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence.

What does obstinate mean in the Bible?

firmly or stubbornly adhering to one's purpose, opinion, etc.; not yielding to argument, persuasion, or entreaty. characterized by inflexible persistence or an unyielding attitude; inflexibly persisted in or carried out: obstinate advocacy of high tariffs.

Can an object be obstinate?

Yes, inanimate objects can be stubborn. A mark left by grass or wine on clothing might be called a "stubborn stain," especially in an advertisement for a detergent claiming ability to wash away such a mark.

Is it good to be obstinate?

Stubbornness makes us persevere. It helps us stand our ground when everyone else is trying to tell us that we are wrong. Used with discernment, stubbornness can be a strong leadership quality and a key determinant of success. Because stubborn people know what they want, they tend to be more decisive.

How do you use obdurate in a simple sentence?

He has been obdurate before, but at the end of the day he has had to change his mind. I hope very much that when they have reflected upon these matters we shall not be met with an obdurate or some absolutely unbending attitude. I submit that that is not obdurate, unreasoning language.

What does potentate mean in the Bible?

Definition of potentate

: ruler, sovereign broadly : one who wields great power or sway.

How do you use obdurate in a sentence?

Obdurate in a Sentence ?

  1. Although the hurricane was rapidly coming their way, the townspeople were obdurate and did not leave their homes.
  2. Sometimes, you are too obdurate for your own good!
  3. Despite the defendant's apology, the judge was obdurate and gave him a thirty-year sentence.

In which sentence is the word obstinate used correctly?

They were going obstinate when we showed up late. When the teacher attempted to discipline him, he was obstinate. He will obstinate them until they give up.

What is the sentence of forfeited?

Forfeited sentence example. If a suitor changed his mind, he forfeited the presents. They consequently forfeited many of the advantages of the initiative. The winner of the suit got back his deposit, but the loser forfeited his to the god or to the winning party.

What is the meaning of obstinate sentence?

stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or action; very difficult to change or persuade; refusing to obey. Examples of Obstinate in a sentence. 1. Although the little boy knew he was wrong, he was too obstinate to apologize to his parents.

What is the meaning of indefatigably?

: incapable of being fatigued : untiring an indefatigable worker.

Is obstinate a negative word?

Obstinate, dogged, stubborn, and mulish all mean that someone is unwilling to change course or give up a belief or plan. Obstinate suggests an unreasonable persistence; it's often a negative word.

What is the meaning of obstinate child?

If you describe someone as obstinate, you are being critical of them because they are very determined to do what they want, and refuse to change their mind or be persuaded to do something else. [disapproval] He is obstinate and determined and will not give up. She was a wicked and obstinate child.

What is a word that starts with N?

  • naan.
  • nabe.
  • nabs.
  • nada.
  • naes.
  • naff.
  • naga.
  • nags.

What is the noun for obdurate?

obduracy. The state of being obdurate, intractable, or stubbornly inflexible.

What does having a flinty voice mean?

If you describe a person or someone's character or expression as flinty, you mean they are harsh and show no emotion.