What does stubbornly mean?
Stubbornly means in a firm, unyielding way, usually involving a refusal to change one's mind or give up a position. It is commonly paired with verbs such as refuse, insist, resist, and deny, as in “She stubbornly refused to apologize.” The adverb can suggest admirable determination when the resistance concerns a difficult but worthwhile task, but it often has a mildly negative connotation because it implies inflexibility, obstinacy, or an unwillingness to listen. It is widely used in both British and American English and is understood as a straightforward description of conduct perceived as persistent or difficult to influence. Because it derives from the adjective stubborn, it conveys firmness and a lack of accommodation rather than merely repetition or duration.
adverbIn a stubborn or unyielding manner; firmly refusing to change one's opinion, course of action, or intention.
- In a manner characterized by refusal to change or yield.
- With persistent determination, often despite difficulty or opposition.
"She stubbornly continued the argument even when everyone else had agreed to move on."
"The child stubbornly refused to leave the playground."
"The team stubbornly pursued its research despite repeated setbacks."
Stubbornly comes from stubborn, a word whose history suggests being born from a stub—a fixed idea that is difficult to budge.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stubbornly come from?
Stubbornly is the adverb formed from the adjective stubborn. The adjective developed in Middle English and is commonly associated with a sense involving being fixed or “born” from a stub, suggesting an idea or attitude that cannot be easily moved. Related forms include stubbornness and the compound stubborn-hearted. Modern usage continues the central sense of being unmoved by persuasion, opposition, or difficulty.
How stubbornly is actually used
Stubbornly is commonly used with verbs such as refuse, insist, resist, and deny. It can describe principled persistence, but more often carries the implication of being unwilling to reconsider or compromise.
Easily confused with stubbornly
Stubborn is an adjective describing a person or thing that refuses to give way, whereas stubbornly is the adverb describing the way such resistance is shown.