obstinate

/ˈɒbstɪnət/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɑːbstɪnət/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈäb-stə-nət/ (ame, mw)

obstinate — adjective

  • obstinatepositive
  • more obstinatecomparative
  • most obstinatesuperlative

1. used to describe someone who refuses to change their mind or behaviour, even whe

1.形容詞B2
釋義

used to describe someone who refuses to change their mind or behaviour, even when others present good reasons to do so

例句

Grandpa is so obstinate he uses his cracked phone instead of the new one.

so + obstinate (+ that) clause showing extent of stubbornness

The two leaders remained obstinate during the peace talks, and neither would offer any compromise.

remain obstinate + during [event]

同義詞
  • stubborn

    more common and slightly less disapproving; can even be affectionate (a stubborn old car)

  • headstrong

    focuses on acting on one's own wishes without listening to others, especially about impulsive decisions

  • pigheaded

    very informal and strongly negative; suggests stupid or unreasonable refusal

反義詞
  • flexible

    willing to change plans or opinions when given good reasons

  • cooperative

    willing to work with others rather than insisting on one's own way

文法句型

obstinate + about + (topic/noun/-ing)

obstinate + in + (noun/-ing)

so + obstinate + that-clause

用法筆記

Stronger in disapproval than stubborn and slightly more formal. Use for situations where someone unreasonably refuses to listen to advice or persuasion. Not suitable for describing admirable persistence — use determined or persistent instead.

常見錯誤

❌The scientist was obstinate in her search for a cure.
✅The scientist was determined in her search for a cure.
💡obstinate carries disapproval and sounds odd when describing admirable persistence.

2. A problem, illness, or unpleasant condition that continues to exist and is very

2.形容詞B2
釋義

A problem, illness, or unpleasant condition that continues to exist and is very difficult to solve, cure, or remove

例句

The doctor told Fatima that her obstinate cough would need a different kind of treatment.

obstinate + medical condition (cough, infection, rash)

The city has an obstinate traffic problem that widening the roads did not solve.

obstinate + abstract problem (traffic, unemployment, poverty)

同義詞
  • persistent

    more neutral; describes anything that continues to exist without the disapproving tone of obstinate

  • stubborn

    works for both people and problems; more common in everyday speech

  • tenacious

    suggests something holds on tightly; slightly more formal and often positive

反義詞
  • manageable

    easy to deal with or control

  • treatable

    can be cured or improved with treatment (for medical conditions)

文法句型

obstinate + (medical condition)

obstinate + (problem / issue)

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1 (STUBBORNLY DETERMINED), this sense applies to things and situations — never to people. Common in medical writing (obstinate cough, obstinate infection) and when talking about persistent social problems.

常見錯誤

❌My boss is an obstinate problem.
✅My boss is an obstinate person.
💡When applied to people, obstinate describes their character (sense 1), not the problem they cause. Use a different word like persistent or ongoing for the problem itself.