What does obdurately mean?
Obdurately describes the manner of acting with stubborn, uncompromising persistence, especially when someone refuses to change an opinion, give up a position, or respond to persuasion. The word is more formal and more pointed than 'stubbornly,' often carrying the implication that the resistance is unreasonable or exceptionally difficult to overcome. It is commonly used with verbs such as 'refuse,' 'resist,' 'deny,' and 'oppose,' and can characterize either individuals or organizations. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate, but obdurately gives writers a vivid way to emphasize unyielding determination. Its force comes from its Latin ancestry: the word was formed from obdurare, meaning 'to harden,' which connects its figurative sense to the idea of becoming resistant to influence or change.
adverbIn a stubborn or unyielding manner; refusing to change one's position, opinion, or course of action despite persuasion, pressure, or difficulty.
- Stubbornly and unyieldingly, especially in refusing to change an opinion, abandon a position, or yield to persuasion.
"She obdurately refused to reconsider the proposal."
"The committee obdurately continued to dispute the proposal."
"He remained obdurately opposed to the plan despite repeated appeals."
The word comes from Latin obdurare, literally 'to harden,' so obdurately means to behave like something that refuses to be softened.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does obdurately come from?
Obdurately derives from the adjective 'obdurate' and ultimately from Latin obdurare, 'to harden,' formed from ob- and durus, 'hard.' In Latin, the word could describe something made hard; in English it developed figurative meanings associated with stubbornness and unyielding resistance. Related English forms include 'obduracy' and 'obdurateness,' while cognates such as 'durable' and 'duration' reflect the Latin root durus.
Related word forms
How obdurately is actually used
This is a formal word with a strongly negative or disapproving tone. It is stronger and more literary than simply 'stubbornly,' and is often used when a person or institution is portrayed as refusing to reconsider.
Easily confused with obdurately
Obstinately emphasizes persistent determination, whereas obdurately more specifically suggests stubborn resistance to persuasion or a refusal to yield.
Adamantly describes a firm, uncompromising stance, while obdurately focuses more on the stubborn manner in which that stance is maintained.