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Added 9 October 2026

obstinate

/ˈɒb.stɪ.nət/ adjective

In Latin: pervicāx, obnixus, obstinātus Wiktionary

adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about obstinate at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Stubbornly adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course, usually with implied unreasonableness; persistent.
Of an inanimate object, not easily subdued or removed.
an obstinate blockage in the pipe
Of a facial feature or expression, fixed and unmoving.

Origin

Inherited from Middle English obstinat(e) (“obstinate, stubborn”), from Latin obstinātus, perfect passive participle of obstinō (“set one's mind firmly upon, resolve”) (see -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from ob (“before”) + *stinare, from stare (“to stand”). Doublet of ostinato.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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