Words / C2

OBD-y-uh-r-uh-t/ˈɒbdjərət/

Obdurate means refusing to change your mind even when people try to persuade you: remain obdurate. Stubborn is everyday; obstinate is a close synonym; resolute can be praise for the same firmness. Obduracy is the noun. Formal, usually critical. In speech, stubborn as a mule or will not budge is enough. Evidence bounced off him is the picture — not a considered, reasoned no.

Meaning

Refusing to change your mind, even when people try to persuade you (formal).

Examples

• “He remained obdurate despite the evidence.”
• “He remained obdurate despite the attendance figures.”
• “Obdurate refusal to mark anonymously looked like pride, not principle.”

Good to know

Stubbornly unmoved (formal, often critical). Noun: obduracy. Everyday: stubborn. Close: obstinate. Contrast: resolute (can be praise).

Near in meaning

obstinate

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