stubborn

/ˈstʌbən/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstʌbərn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstə-bərn/ (ame, mw)

stubborn — adjective

  • stubbornpositive
  • more stubborncomparative
  • most stubbornsuperlative

1. describes a person who holds firmly to their own opinion, decision, or way of do

1.形容詞B1
釋義

describes a person who holds firmly to their own opinion, decision, or way of doing things and will not change it, even when other people suggest they should.

例句

Aylin is so stubborn that she would not listen to anyone's advice about the project.

so + adj + that-clause for result

Mark's stubborn refusal to compromise cost him the promotion.

同義詞
  • obstinate

    more negative than stubborn; suggests unreasonable or even irrational refusal

  • headstrong

    focuses on acting on one's own wishes without listening to others, often used for younger people

  • determined

    positive and neutral; emphasizes commitment to a goal rather than refusal to change

  • persistent

    neutral; describes continuing effort without the negative nuance of stubbornness

反義詞
  • flexible

    willing to change one's plans or opinions when needed

  • cooperative

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

文法句型

be + stubborn + about + noun/gerund

too + stubborn + to-infinitive

so + stubborn + that-clause

用法筆記

Can carry either a negative tone (unreasonable refusal) or a positive one (admirable determination), depending on the context and speaker's attitude. The phrase 'stubborn as a mule' is a common fixed comparison used for emphasis.

常見錯誤

❌She is stubborn to change her mind.
✅She is too stubborn to change her mind.
💡The pattern 'stubborn to + verb' is incorrect; use 'too stubborn to + verb' for the 'so stubborn that someone will not' meaning.
❌He is stubborn of his opinion.
✅He is stubborn about his opinion.
💡'stubborn of' is wrong; use 'stubborn about' with a topic or issue.

2. describes a physical mark, object, problem, or medical condition that is hard to

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a physical mark, object, problem, or medical condition that is hard to remove, fix, or treat because it keeps returning or resisting efforts.

例句

The coffee left a stubborn stain on the carpet that would not come out.

stubborn stain + would not come out

Mayumi tried three different treatments, but the stubborn rash would not go away.

同義詞
  • persistent

    neutral to slightly negative; often used for medical conditions or problems that last a long time

  • resistant

    scientific or technical; implies something does not respond to treatment or effort

  • tenacious

    slightly formal; suggests something clings or holds on with force

反義詞
  • manageable

    easy to handle or deal with

  • removable

    can be taken away or eliminated without great effort

文法句型

stubborn + noun (stain, problem, issue, infection)

be + stubborn + to-infinitive

remain + stubborn

用法筆記

Used for things rather than people. Common with stains, marks, locks, lids, illnesses, technical issues, or any object that is unexpectedly hard to deal with. The tone is usually one of frustration.

常見錯誤

❌The stain is stubborn to remove.
✅The stain is stubborn and hard to remove.' OR 'The stubborn stain will not come out.
💡'stubborn to remove' is unnatural; use 'stubborn' attributively or rephrase with 'hard/difficult to remove.'