remain obstinate

USAGE SUMMARY

Remain obstinate is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to someone who is determined to firmly hold to a belief, opinion, or attitude. For example, "Despite their persuasive arguments, he remained obstinate in his refusal to go along with the plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

All are recounted by a narrator whose belief in natural explanation is absolute, a rather literal-minded man whose scepticism must remain obstinate in response to the mounting terrors of the other characters.

The Guardian - Books

If so, it is fair to ask whether Beijing will rise to the occasion and be a graceful loser or remain obstinate in the face of overwhelming opposition to its actions in the South China Sea.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Queen remained obstinate in her refusal to receive Frederica.

Wikipedia

After deliberation, the council accepted Shiva as the true Creator, but Brahma remained obstinate.

Wikipedia

You can fumble a mystery, misunderstanding what you're reading or remaining obstinate in the face of real data, and the game respects that.

Vice

Still, McCarthy circled back to his defense of Trump, contending that the president was making offers while Pelosi remained obstinate, refusing to indulge his ideas. .

Huffington Post

Beijing remains obstinate.

The New York Times

He remained an obstinate idealist, however, whose faith in humanity's promise often tempted him into a sentimental proletarianism.

The Guardian

During the intervening years, with a plethora of confirmations, the FDA has remained blindly obstinate.

Environmental Health Perspectives

"His participation in the remain campaign was reluctant at best, and obstinate sabotage at the worst," she wrote.

The Guardian

In the days leading up to the Derby, the colt's predawn gallops often featured nose-to-tail bucking, an obstinate tendency to want to remain in his stall and, in one well-reported instance, the dumping of his exercise rider -- prompting his trainer, Neil Drysdale, to bring in a new exercise rider, Andy Durnin, who had a reputation for connecting with difficult thoroughbreds.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's actions, using "remain obstinate" can effectively convey their unwavering determination, even when faced with opposing viewpoints or evidence. Be mindful of the tone; obstinacy can be perceived as both a strength and a weakness.

Common error

Avoid using "remain obstinate" when simpler alternatives like "persist" or "insist" would suffice. The phrase carries a strong connotation of stubbornness, and overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily harsh or judgmental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain obstinate" functions as a verb phrase where "remain" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "obstinate". It describes a state of continuing to be stubborn. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remain obstinate" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the continuation of stubbornness or inflexibility. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While not a particularly common phrase, with only a couple of examples identified, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. When writing, remember to consider whether a simpler alternative might be more appropriate and avoid overusing the phrase in situations where its strong connotation of stubbornness is unnecessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay defiant

Focuses on the act of defiance rather than the characteristic of stubbornness.

prove intransigent

Highlights the refusal to compromise or agree.

stay unyielding

Highlights the lack of flexibility or willingness to compromise.

remain unbending

Similar to unyielding, but perhaps a more forceful and determined stance.

persist in resistance

Emphasizes the ongoing action of resisting a change or influence.

continue inflexible

Focuses on the rigidity and lack of adaptability in behavior.

maintain a hard line

Indicates a strict adherence to a particular policy or stance.

hold firm

Conveys a sense of maintaining a position or belief despite opposition.

stand one's ground

Suggests defending a position or belief against challenges.

dig one's heels in

An idiomatic way to express determined resistance to change or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "remain obstinate" in a sentence?

You can use "remain obstinate" to describe someone who continues to be stubborn and inflexible, like: "Despite the evidence, the defendant "remained obstinate" in their denial."

What are some alternatives to "remain obstinate"?

Alternatives include "stay defiant", "persist in resistance", or "hold firm", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "remain obstinate" formal or informal?

"Remain obstinate" is relatively neutral but leans slightly toward formal. In very informal contexts, you might use expressions like "dig in your heels" instead.

What does it mean to "remain obstinate"?

To "remain obstinate" means to continue being stubborn and refusing to change your mind or actions, even when faced with opposition or evidence suggesting you should.