Origin: 1350–1400; ME
stiborn(
e),
styborne, stuborn < ?
Related forms: stub⋅born⋅ly, adverb
stub⋅born⋅ness, noun
Synonyms:
1. contrary, intractable, refractory, unyielding, headstrong, obdurate. 2. persevering. Stubborn, dogged, obstinate, persistent imply fixity of purpose or condition and resistance to change. Stubborn and obstinate both imply resistance to advice, entreaty, remonstrance, or force; but stubborn implies more of innate quality and is the more frequently used when referring to inanimate things: stubborn disposition; stubborn difficulties. Dogged implies pertinacity and grimness in doing something, esp. in the face of discouragements: dogged determination. Persistent implies having staying or lasting qualities, resoluteness, and perseverance: persistent questioning.
Antonyms:
1. tractable. 2. irresolute.
[stuhb-ern] 