intransigent
UK[ɪnˈtrænzɪdʒənt]US[ɪnˈtrænsɪdʒənt]
adj
refusing to change your opinions or behavior in a way that would be helpful to others
Morpheme Breakdown
in
transigent
in
not
transigent
yielding
Etymology
the word 'intransigent' entered english in the late 19th century from spanish 'los intransigentes', a name for extreme republican factions. the spanish term was derived from latin 'in-' (not) and 'transigens', from the verb 'transigere', meaning 'to come to an agreement' or literally 'to drive through' (from 'trans-' across + 'agere' to drive). the core logic is built on the concept of refusing to 'drive through' or settle a matter. thus, the literal sense of 'not coming to an agreement' evolved into the modern abstract meaning of being uncompromising and stubbornly unwilling to change one's views.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + transigent (yielding)
in- (latin origin, a prefix meaning 'not'); transigent (from latin 'transigent-', stem of 'transigens', present participle of 'transigere' meaning 'to come to an agreement, to settle', functioning as the core adjective meaning 'yielding' or 'compromising').
Examples
the government remained intransigent in its opposition to the peace talks.
his intransigent attitude made negotiations impossible.
she is known for being intransigent on matters of principle.