obstinate
Refusing to change your mind or do what others want, however hard they try.
obstinate in a sentence
- The obstinate donkey sat down in the middle of the lane and would not move an inch.
- My obstinate little sister refused to wear her coat, even when snow began to fall.
Try an 11+ style question
Verbal reasoning papers often ask about a word like this.
Which word is closest in meaning to obstinate?
- Astubborn
- Bflexible
- Cobliging
- Dwilling
Show the answer
A: stubborn. The other three mean the opposite of obstinate.
Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to obstinate?
- Aheadstrong
- Bflexible
- Cstubborn
- Dwilful
Show the answer
B: flexible. The other three mean nearly the same as obstinate.
Words that mean something similar
stubborn, headstrong, wilful
Words that mean the opposite
flexible, willing, obliging
Careful: obstinate is not stubborn
Stubborn can be a compliment. Obstinate never is. Read why children mix them up.
More words about character & personality
- odious: So unpleasant that it makes you feel strong dislike.
- outcast: A person who has been rejected and left out by others.
- passive: Letting things happen without trying to act or change them.
- persevere: To keep trying even when something is difficult.
- persist: To keep trying and refuse to give up.
- petty: Small and unimportant, or mean about little things.
- pioneer: Someone who is one of the first to explore a place or try something new.
- placid: Calm and not easily upset or excited.
More words to explore
Sitting the 11+ in Kent, Medway or Buckinghamshire?
Plain-English guides to each test, from the councils’ own pages: Kent Test · Medway Test · Bucks Secondary Transfer Test