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stubbornly

B2
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /stˈʌbənli/

US

  • /ˈstəbərnli/

Description

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.

Examples

  1. 1

    Apology

    He stubbornly refused to apologize.

  2. 2

    Disagreement

    Even when everyone disagreed, she stubbornly insisted that her version was right.

  3. 3

    Habit

    My grandfather stubbornly sticks to the routine he learned in the army.

    • Pattern

      stick to + routine/plan

      continue doing or using it

  4. 4

    Problem solving

    The team stubbornly kept working on the same idea, although it clearly wasn't solving the problem.

  5. 5

    Prices

    Rent in the city has stubbornly remained high this year.

  6. 6

    Difficult stain

    That coffee stain stubbornly refused to come out of the carpet.

    • Pattern

      something stubbornly refuses to + verb

      it is very hard to make it change, move, or disappear

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • stubbornlyadverb