Pertinacious
hardper-tih-NAY-shus
adjective
Definition
Holding firmly to an opinion or course of action; persistent
Examples
“The pertinacious lawyer refused to give up the case.”
“Her pertinacious pursuit of justice finally succeeded.”
Categories
GRE Tip
Pertinacious is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "tenacious" or "dogged" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "irresolute".
Related GRE Words
tenacious
Tending to keep a firm hold; persistent and determined
dogged
Having or showing tenacity and persistence
persevering
Continuing in a course of action despite difficulty or opposition
unwavering
Steady and resolute; not changing
resolute
Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering
steadfast
Resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering
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