obdurately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obdurately" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is stubbornly refusing to change their opinion or course of action. Example: "Despite the overwhelming evidence against his argument, he obdurately maintained his position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Sure, some places may have had facelifts since the bad old days, but the stories of wanton mayhem hang obdurately in the air.

The Guardian - Travel

England had taken the extra eight overs allotted to try to ensure a finish but so obdurately had the final Australia pair batted for more than an hour that the game seemed destined to go into the final day, something that, with refunds as well, was likely to cost MCC half a million pounds just to open the ground irrespective of refunds.

The Guardian - Sport

"In UK only Salmond and Farage connecting with people," ran one tweet from the obdurately anti-EU tycoon earlier this month.

The Guardian

They are obdurately opposed to constitutional reform, even though in theory they stand for restrictions on the power of the state.

The Economist

Rates in euros and dollars tower obdurately above central-bank targets, despite announcements from both the European Central Bank and America's Federal Reserve that they will inject extra funds into the money markets.As in the summer, banks are hoarding cash because there is still great uncertainty about their own and counterparties' exposure to losses and off-balance-sheet vehicles.

The Economist

Viciously bullied at school, the pubescent twins turn obdurately introverted, speaking only to each other and growing increasingly delinquent.

Independent

Northamptonshire had batted obdurately beyond tea on the final day and there were 20 overs left, not all of them, thankfully, compulsory.

Independent

Michael Gove, Education Secretary Obdurately resisted claims that cutting a £162m fund for competitive sports effectively meant the coalition was abandoning school sports, until Mr Cameron decided to reveal plans for a rethink, in the public arena of Prime Minister's Questions.

Independent

But Herr Kronstadt has gone too far in his ill-tempered review in your columns, for he has not only obdurately refused to accept the Ding an sich of my modest postulates but has launched on a course of reckless misinterpretation and misquotation that I can only regard as intentional.

The New Yorker

Showing fewer of his high, four-seam fastballs, he stayed obdurately low and away to batters on each side of the plate, and killed them off with his split-finger.

The New Yorker

Yet the Koranic Paradise remains obdurately earthbound, full of nubile girls unzipping plantains.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obdurately" to describe a firm refusal to change one's opinion or course of action, especially when facing considerable opposition or persuasion attempts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "obdurately" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "stubbornly" or "firmly" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "obdurately" is as an adverb. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed, indicating stubbornness or inflexibility. According to Ludwig, the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obdurately" is a grammatically sound and "very common" adverb used to describe actions performed in a stubborn, inflexible manner. According to Ludwig, its correctness is validated, and it is best suited for formal contexts, especially in News & Media. While effective in conveying a sense of unwavering resolve, it's essential to consider simpler alternatives like "stubbornly" or "firmly" for more informal settings. Ludwig's examples highlight the word's use in describing a resolute refusal to change, even when faced with opposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stubbornly

Direct synonym, focusing on the characteristic of being difficult to persuade or change.

intractably

Emphasizes the difficulty in managing or resolving a situation or someone's behavior.

inflexibly

Highlights the lack of adaptability or willingness to change.

resolutely

Focuses on determination and unwavering commitment to a course of action.

unyieldingly

Stresses the refusal to give way or compromise.

adamantly

Indicates a firm and unwavering stance, often in response to opposition.

doggedly

Implies persistent and tenacious effort, even in the face of obstacles.

tenaciously

Similar to doggedly, emphasizing persistence and determination.

persistently

Highlights the continuous and unwavering nature of an action or belief.

with unwavering resolve

Expresses a strong and steadfast commitment to a goal or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "obdurately" in a sentence?

You can use "obdurately" to describe someone who is stubbornly refusing to change their opinion or course of action. For example, "Despite the evidence, he "obdurately" maintained his position".

What words are similar to "obdurately"?

Similar words include "stubbornly", "intractably", and "inflexibly", all conveying a sense of being unyielding or resistant to change.

Is it better to use "obdurately" or "stubbornly"?

While both words share a similar meaning, "obdurately" suggests a more formal and resolute resistance. "Stubbornly" is a more common and general term for refusing to change one's mind.

What's the difference between "obdurately" and "persistently"?

"Obdurately" implies a firm refusal to change, while "persistently" suggests a continuous effort despite obstacles. Someone might "obdurately" refuse a request, while someone else might "persistently" pursue a goal.