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whats the difference between stubborn and obstinate

by Jared Brakus MD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Stubborn is a synonym of obstinate. As adjectives the difference between obstinate and stubborn is that obstinate is stubbornly adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course, usually with implied unreasonableness; persistent while stubborn is refusing to move or to change one's opinion; obstinate; firmly resisting.

Obstinate suggests an unreasonable persistence; it's often a negative word. Dogged implies that someone goes after something without ever tiring or quitting; it can be more positive. Stubborn indicates a resistance to change, which may or may not be admirable.

Full Answer

What does it mean to be stubborn?

adjective. Someone who is stubborn or who behaves in a stubborn way is determined to do what they want and is very unwilling to change their mind. He is a stubborn character used to getting his own way. Synonyms: obstinate, dogged, inflexible, fixed More Synonyms of stubborn.

How do you deal with stubborn people?

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  1. Ease them into change little by little. If you have to deal with a stubborn person in the long term, then you have to know that stubborn people don't ...
  2. Pick your battles. This is key when dealing with stubborn people. ...
  3. Break the pattern of always giving in. ...
  4. Don't beg or sound desperate. ...

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What does obstinate people mean?

What does it mean to be obstinate? To be obstinate is to move towards a goal firmly and without being discouraged by obstacles. An obstinate person knows well what he wants and only for when he gets there. Based on this description, the interpretation is usually positive, after all, it represents the strength of someone who is dedicated to ...

What is stubborn personality?

What kind of personality is stubborn? Stubbornness is a personality trait in which a person refuses to change their opinion about something or refuses to change their mind about a decision that they’ve made. Stubborn people have a resolute adherence to their own ideas and opinions.

What does it mean when a person is obstinate?

adjective. firmly or stubbornly adhering to one's purpose, opinion, etc.; not yielding to argument, persuasion, or entreaty. characterized by inflexible persistence or an unyielding attitude; inflexibly persisted in or carried out: obstinate advocacy of high tariffs.

What is a stubborn person called?

adamant, determined, dogged, headstrong, inflexible, intractable, ornery, persistent, perverse, relentless, rigid, single-minded, steadfast, tenacious, tough, unshakable, willful, balky, bloody-minded, bullheaded.

What is a nice way to say stubborn?

Some common synonyms of stubborn are dogged, mulish, obstinate, and pertinacious. While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable.

What does it mean to be stubborn?

1 : refusing to change an opinion or course of action in spite of difficulty or urging She's too stubborn to ask for help. 2 : persistent a stubborn cough. 3 : difficult to handle, manage, or treat a stubborn stain.

What is worse than being stubborn?

While stubborn may have positive or negative connotations, obstinate is most definitely negative, because it implies a kind of hard-headed determination not to change your mind even when it might be best to rethink your position.

What makes a person so stubborn?

Sometimes people are stubborn because they don't want to be average. They want to do things their own way because they fear being just like everyone else. Sometimes people underestimate their flexibility. They're stubborn because they doubt whether they're capable of incorporating feedback, even if it's useful.

Is obstinate positive or negative?

Obstinate, dogged, stubborn, and mulish all mean that someone is unwilling to change course or give up a belief or plan. Obstinate suggests an unreasonable persistence; it's often a negative word.

What do you call a person who doesn't accept mistakes?

incorrigible: incapable of being corrected or amended. In context, the word usually implies that the person doesn't respond well to criticism or admit fault.

What do you call someone who thinks they are always right?

Self-righteous is a word for someone who thinks they are always right. Stubborn is the most common word for somebody who refuses to change their opinion about something.

What's the opposite of a stubborn person?

Stubborn is the opposite of flexible.

How do I know if Im stubborn?

How to Know if You Are Stubborn1 You refuse to admit when you're wrong.2 Multiple people tell you that you're stubborn.3 Your relationships are falling apart because of your attitude.4 You enjoy arguing for the sake of arguing.5 You're worried about uncertainty.6 You aren't open to another person's idea.More items...

How do you deal with a stubborn person in a relationship?

12 Ways to Deal with Stubborn People in RelationshipsTry to calm yourself.Choose the right time to express yourself.Don't withhold love.Compliment them.Be empathetic toward your partner.Always be willing to compromise.Listen to your partner.Never suggest to your partner that they're wrong.More items...•

What do you call someone who never gives up?

Tenacious is a mostly positive term. If someone calls you tenacious you're probably the kind of person who never gives up and never stops trying – someone who does whatever is required to accomplish a goal.

What do you call someone who doesn't stick to their word?

renege Add to list Share. To renege is to go back on your word or fail to keep a promise.

What do you call someone who can't let things go?

adjective. not easily perturbed or excited or upset; marked by extreme calm and composure. “hitherto imperturbable, he now showed signs of alarm” “an imperturbable self-possession” synonyms: unflappable composed.

What do you call a stubborn woman?

headstrong. adjective. determined to do what you want even if other people warn you not to do it.

What is the difference between stubborn and obstinate?

Both stubborn and obstinate show attitudes of mind and emotion and practically mean the same. Both are unyielding and will not change or give up. But stubborn is more an emotional refusal though its expression may be mild. A woman may be quietly stubborn in her ways. A child can be stubborn refusing to eat nutritious food. Obstinacy has to do more with the will. As obstinate person will not change even when he/she realises he/ she is in the wrong. Such persons will not make a change even if they see some better choices or even if they face unpleasant or painful consequences. An obstinate child may refuse to obey even if he is thrashed or punished.

What does it mean to be stubborn?

Stubborn - having or showing dogged determination. Obstinate - the quality of being unreasonably determined. If someone is stubborn, they will refuse to change their attitude and opinion on something even though there are better alternatives. If you are obstinate, then you stubbornly adhere to that opinion or attitude.

What does "obstinate" mean?

Obstinate is an adjective which means refusing to change your opinions,way of behaviour.

What does "stubborn" mean in the face of hardship?

Stubborn, in the face of hardship one will stand fast, never waver.

Is "stubborn" the same as "obstinate"?

Stubborn and obstinate words are comparatively identical.Stubborn is one who adheres to his own ideas and opinions and he never changes for the sake of others.Obstinate has same meaning as stubborn.We can say he is obstinately stubborn.

Can you substitute stuborn for obsessive?

In fact both can substitute each other. Obistinate implies adhering opinion,purpose or any plan whereupon stuborn implies refusing to move or change.

Is "stubborn" an adjective?

Both stubborn and obstinate are adjectives. Stubborn, in the sense, having dominate and unchanging attitude. Meanwhile, obstinate means being stubborn and not obdience.

What does it mean when someone is stubborn?

Stubborn in general simply means that something or someone is unwilling to change their state. Usually when talking about an animate object it means they are illogically not changing states usually from something like pride, or the unwillingness to change.

What does "stubborn" mean?

English (US) These are synonyms, but there is a distinct difference. Stubborn can and is often used with inanimate objects. EG "I have tried all day, but the rock is being stubborn and will not budge.". When referring to animate objects, it means they are unwilling to change their opinion or stance on something.

What is the rational process of being stubborn?

Rather than illogically not changing (stubborn) this is the rational process of intentionally being stubborn. Essentially obstinate is a more thought based process of being stubborn. Obstinate sounds stronger and more intentional than stubborn. Obstinate sounds stronger and more intentional than stubborn.

What does "obstinate" mean?

Essentially obstinate is a more thought based process of being stubborn. These are synonyms, but there is a distinct difference. Stubborn can and is often used with inanimate objects. EG "I have tried all day, but the rock is being stubborn and will not budge.". When referring to animate objects, it means they are unwilling to change their opinion ...

Is "obstinate" more intentional or intentional?

Obstinate sounds stronger and more intentional than stubborn.

Is obstinate a rational process?

This is the intentional and rational thought process of not changing ones state of mind. Rather than illogically not changing (stubborn) this is the rational process of intentionally being stubborn. Essentially obstinate is a more thought based process of being stubborn. These are synonyms, but there is a distinct difference.

What does "obstinate" mean?

Obstinate adjective. Stubbornly adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course, usually with implied unreasonableness; persistent. Refusing to move or to change one's opinion; obstinate; firmly resisting; persistent in doing something.

What does "pertinacious" mean?

Pertinaciously adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course; persistent; not yielding to reason, arguments, or other means; stubborn; pertinacious; - usually implying unreasonableness.

What does it mean to refuse to change your opinion?

stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so

1.Obstinate vs Stubborn - What's the difference? | WikiDiff

Url:https://wikidiff.com/obstinate/stubborn

33 hours ago As adjectives the difference between obstinate and stubborn is that obstinate is stubbornly adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course, usually with implied unreasonableness; persistent while stubborn is refusing to move or to change one's opinion; obstinate; firmly resisting.

2.What is the difference between "stubborn" and "obstinate" …

Url:https://hinative.com/en-US/questions/551069

17 hours ago  · Obstinate adjective. Pertinaciously adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course; persistent; not yielding to reason, arguments, or other means; stubborn; pertinacious; - usually implying unreasonableness.

3.Obstinate vs. Stubborn - What's the difference? | Ask …

Url:https://www.askdifference.com/obstinate-vs-stubborn/

28 hours ago Definition: (a.) Pertinaciously adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course; persistent; not yielding to reason, arguments, or other means; stubborn; pertinacious; -- usually implying unreasonableness. (a.) Not yielding; not easily subdued or removed; as, obstinate fever; obstinate obstructions.

4.What is the difference between persistent, obstinate, and …

Url:https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-persistent-obstinate-and-stubborn

27 hours ago 12 February. English (US) They mean the same thing, but I don't hear younger people use the word, obstinate, very often. They mean the same thing, but I don't hear younger people use the word, obstinate, very often. See a translation.

5.What is the difference between stubborn and obstinate?.

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15 hours ago To be obstinate and stubborn means to opposite even if is using the same tools. The only difference is that in being persistent we are using good tools (good believes and opinions) and in the second we are using weak and wrong believes and opinions, that were already proven as wrong by other people who used them before us.

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