obstinacy
UK[ˈɒbstɪnəsi]US[ˈɑːbstɪnəsi]
n
The quality of being unreasonably determined, especially to act in a particular way and not to change at all, despite what anyone else says.
n
An instance of stubborn behavior.
Morpheme Breakdown
ob
stin
acy
ob
against, in the way of
stin
to stand, take a stand
acy
Etymology
The word 'obstinacy' traces its lineage to the Latin verb obstinare, meaning "to persist, stand firmly". This verb itself is a compound of the prefix ob- ("against") and the root -stinare, derived from stare ("to stand"). The literal image is of someone taking a stand against opposition, refusing to move. Over time, this concrete notion of physical steadfastness evolved into the abstract quality of stubbornness, the mental state of being fixed in one's purpose despite reason or persuasion. The suffix -acy, entering English via Old French, formally marks this persistent state as a noun of condition.
Analysis
Structure: ob + stin + acy
- ob: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "against, in the way of".
- stin: From Latin stin- (a variant of stan-), meaning "to stand, take a stand".
- acy: From Latin -atia, a noun-forming suffix indicating a state, quality, or condition.
Examples
Her obstinacy in the negotiations finally led to a deadlock.
He was known for his sheer obstinacy, never admitting he was wrong.
Overcoming his own obstinacy was the first step toward a compromise.