Obstinate
mediumNegative toneOB-stih-nut
adjective
Definition
Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action
Memory hook
OB-STIN-ate: Stubborn as an ox that won't budge -- like a STAIN that refuses to come out.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“His obstinate refusal to compromise led to the negotiation's failure.”
“The obstinate child refused to eat vegetables.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“His ______ refusal to compromise led to the negotiation's failure.”
Show answer
obstinate
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Obstinate is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "stubborn" or "intransigent" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "flexible".
Related GRE Words
unyielding
Not giving way to pressure; firm and resolute
obdurate
Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action
mulish
Resembling or characteristic of a mule; stubborn
adamant
Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind; unyielding
intransigent
Unwilling or refusing to change one's views or agree; uncompromising
pigheaded
Stupidly obstinate
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