What does obdurately mean?
Obdurately is an adverb that describes a stubbornly unyielding or uncooperative manner. It is used to characterize someone's persistent and unreasonable refusal to change their position, opinion, or course of action. This word often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of flexibility or willingness to compromise. Obdurately is commonly used in formal or somewhat formal contexts, such as politics, business, or legal discussions. The word's meaning is closely tied to its root, obdurate, which means stubbornly unyielding or hardened. Understanding obdurately can help express nuanced shades of stubbornness or recalcitrance in various situations.
adverbIn a stubbornly unyielding or uncooperative manner; persistently and unreasonably.
- In a stubbornly unyielding or uncooperative manner
- In a persistently and unreasonably stubborn manner
"The politician obdurately refused to compromise on the key issue, leading to a stalemate in negotiations."
"The company obdurately refused to acknowledge the environmental damage caused by their operations."
"Despite overwhelming evidence, the suspect obdurately denied any involvement in the crime."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of obdurately
The adverb obdurately originates from the Latin word obduratus, the past participle of obdurare, which means to harden or make hard. This Latin term is a combination of ob- (toward) and durus (hard). The word obdurate, from which obdurately is derived, entered Middle English from Old French obdurat, and has been used in English since the 15th century to describe something or someone that is stubbornly unyielding.
Usage notes
Formal or somewhat formal register; often used to describe someone's refusal to change their position or opinion.