obstinate
UK[ˈɒbstɪnət]US[ˈɑːbstɪnət]
adj
refusing to change your opinions, way of behaving, etc., despite attempts to persuade you; stubborn.
adj
(of an unwelcome situation or fact) very difficult to change or overcome.
Etymology
the word 'obstinate' entered english in the 14th century from latin 'obstinatus', signifying a firm, often unyielding, resolution. its core logic lies in the latin verb 'obstinare', which combines an intensive prefix with the concept of standing firm, literally 'to stand one's ground'. this etymological foundation of physical steadfastness evolved metaphorically to describe a mental or behavioral rigidity. the modern meaning retains this sense of an immovable attitude, now typically with a negative connotation of unreasonable stubbornness.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is derived from the latin adjective 'obstinatus', meaning 'resolved, determined, stubborn', which is the past participle of 'obstinare' ('to persist, set one's mind on'). the latin verb is composed of 'ob-' (intensive prefix) + 'stinare', a variant of 'stare' ('to stand'). however, the morphemes 'ob-' and 'stin-' are not directly or transparently separable in the modern english spelling 'obstinate'.
Examples
he can be very obstinate when it comes to changing his routine.
they met with obstinate resistance from local officials.
the obstinate stain would not come out of the fabric.