obduracy
UK[ˈɒbdjərəsi]US[ˈɑːbdərəsi]
n
The quality of refusing to change your mind or your actions in any way; stubbornness.
Morpheme Breakdown
ob
durac
y
ob
against
durac
hard
y
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'obduracy' originates from the Latin verb obdūrāre, meaning "to harden (oneself) against". This verb itself is a compound of the prefix ob- ("against") and the adjective dūrus ("hard"). The literal sense of hardening against external influence or persuasion evolved into the abstract noun denoting the state or quality of being unyielding and stubborn. The term entered English in the 16th century, carrying the figurative meaning of mental or emotional hardness and an inflexible will.
Analysis
Structure: ob (against) + durac (hard) + y (noun suffix)
- ob: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "against, toward, or in the way of".
- durac: Derived from Latin dūrus meaning "hard".
- y: A noun-forming suffix of Latin origin (-ia) via French (-ie), indicating a state or condition.
Examples
Despite the overwhelming evidence, he maintained his position with remarkable obduracy.
The negotiations failed due to the obduracy of both parties.
Her obduracy in the face of criticism was both her greatest strength and her most significant flaw.