OBDURATE

Definition of OBDURATE

XXXX Adjective

Obdurate is primarily used as an adjective, describing someone who is stubbornly resistant to moral influence or persuasion, often in the face of appeals or arguments.

As an adjective, obdurate characterizes individuals or attitudes that are unyielding, hardened, or inflexible in their beliefs or actions. It implies a refusal to change one’s mind or behavior despite attempts to persuade or reason. For example, “Despite numerous pleas for clemency, the judge remained obdurate in his decision to impose the maximum sentence,” illustrates a steadfast and unrelenting stance.

Stubbornness and Resistance: Obdurate individuals exhibit a persistent unwillingness to soften their position or show compassion, often leading to conflicts or challenges in interpersonal or professional contexts. For example, “His obdurate refusal to compromise on the contract terms created tensions within the negotiation process,” highlights the impact of rigid adherence to principles.

Moral or Emotional Insensitivity: The adjective obdurate can also imply a lack of empathy or emotional responsiveness, emphasizing a cold or indifferent demeanor in moral matters or interpersonal relationships. For example, “Her obdurate response to the plight of refugees revealed a detachment from human suffering,” suggests a moral insensitivity or hardness of heart.

Historical and Literary Usage: Obdurate has historical roots in describing individuals who are stubbornly resistant to moral persuasion, often appearing in literary works or historical accounts to depict unyielding characters or situations. For example, “The protagonist’s obdurate defiance against injustice became a central theme in the novel,” underscores its narrative and thematic significance.

Synonyms and Related Terms: Synonyms for obdurate include stubborn, unyielding, inflexible, adamant, and resolute, each emphasizing varying degrees of firmness or immovability in attitude or behavior. Understanding these nuances helps capture the depth of determination or resistance implied by the adjective obdurate.

In conclusion, obdurate is an adjective that denotes stubbornness, inflexibility, or moral resistance, describing individuals or attitudes unwilling to change despite appeals or reasoning. Its usage conveys a sense of firmness or rigidity in beliefs, actions, or emotions, often influencing interpersonal dynamics and moral judgments in various contexts.

CONTUMELIOUS

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POSITIVE

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SELFLESS

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INSENSITIVE

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Examples of OBDURATE in a sentence

• Despite the evidence presented, he remained obdurate in his refusal to apologize.
• Her obdurate attitude made negotiation difficult.
• The dictator was known for his obdurate stance against any form of compromise.
• The team’s obdurate defense prevented the opponents from scoring.
• She tried to reason with him, but he remained obdurate in his decision.
• His obdurate refusal to change his mind frustrated his colleagues.
• The teacher’s obdurate enforcement of the rules created tension in the classroom.
• The politician’s obdurate opposition to the bill delayed its passage.

Origin of OBDURATE

The term obdurate traces its origins to Middle English, derived from the Latin word “obduratus,” which means “hardened” or “obstinate.” It evolved through Old French and Middle French before entering English with its current meaning.

• Semantic Development: In English, “obdurate” refers to someone who is stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing or resistance to persuasion. It conveys a sense of unyielding hardness or resistance to moral influence.
• Literary and Cultural Significance: The term “obdurate” often appears in literary contexts to describe characters who are morally unyielding or steadfastly resistant to change. It carries connotations of moral hardness and unrepentant defiance.
• Modern Usage: Today, “obdurate” is used both in formal and literary contexts to describe individuals or attitudes that are stubborn, inflexible, or unrelenting in their positions or actions.

The term obdurate illustrates its journey from Latin through French into English, reflecting its enduring use to describe moral hardness and stubbornness in various contexts.

OPPOSITE

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DEMENTIA

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WELLNESS

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ABERRANT

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