WordGarden.iostubbornly
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈʌbənli/
US
- /ˈstəbərnli/
Meanings
Adverb
in an obstinate or unyielding way
in a way that resists change or persists despite efforts to alter it
Beyond the definition
Imagine a little mule refusing to budge, no matter how much you pull. That is the spirit of "stubbornly." It describes doing something in a determined and inflexible way, even when the situation is difficult or other people disagree. A child might stubbornly refuse to eat vegetables, or an artist might stubbornly stick to a personal vision despite harsh criticism.
"Stubbornly" tells us how an action is done. It is not just about having a stubborn personality; it is about holding on to a position with great firmness. Think of someone stubbornly defending their beliefs, even when strong evidence suggests they should change their mind. They are not just standing still; they are actively refusing to back down.
"Stubbornly" is an adverb that describes the manner in which someone persists with unwavering determination and a refusal to change their mind or course of action. It goes beyond simple resistance; it emphasizes a resolute, almost defiant way of holding one's ground.
Think about a hiker stubbornly continuing up a steep mountain trail despite exhaustion and a brewing storm. They aren't just determined—they are stubbornly pushing forward against the odds. Or consider an inventor who stubbornly pursues a seemingly impossible idea, refusing to yield even after countless failures.
The word often implies a degree of opposition. One might "stubbornly ignore advice" or "stubbornly cling to outdated traditions." While it can carry a negative connotation—suggesting unreasonable inflexibility—it is also frequently used admiringly to highlight a person's strength of character and unwavering commitment to a cause.
So, when you want to emphasize not just that someone is holding firm, but the sheer force of will they are using to do so, "stubbornly" is the perfect word to reach for.
Examples
- 1
Apology
He stubbornly refused to apologize.
- 2
Disagreement
Even when everyone disagreed, she stubbornly insisted that her version was right.
- 3
Habit
My grandfather stubbornly sticks to the routine he learned in the army.
- Patternstick to + routine/plan
continue doing or using it
- 4
Problem solving
The team stubbornly kept working on the same idea, although it clearly wasn't solving the problem.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Prices
Rent in the city has stubbornly remained high this year.
- 6
Difficult stain
That coffee stain stubbornly refused to come out of the carpet.
- Patternsomething stubbornly refuses to + verb
it is very hard to make it change, move, or disappear
See also
Similar
- obstinately
- adamantly
- unyieldingly
Shades of meaning
- doggedly
- pigheadedly
- persistently
Contrast
- flexibly
- compliantly
Used with (collocations)
- stubbornly refuse
- stubbornly insist
- stubbornly cling to
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- stubbornlyadverb