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obdurateness

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈɒb.dʒʊə.nəs/

KK: /ˈɑb.dʒəˌreɪt.nəs/

noun
Definition

The quality of being stubborn and refusing to change one's mind or actions.


Example

His obdurateness in refusing to apologize caused many problems in the team.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you noticed his obdurateness when it comes to changing his mind?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's like he just won't budge on anything!
Sloth A
I think his obdurateness makes it hard for him to see other perspectives.
Sloth B
Definitely! Sometimes it feels like he's stuck in his own world.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
stubbornness
intransigence
obstinacy
Antonyms
flexibility
yielding
compliance
Root Explanation

Obdurateness → It is formed from "ob-" (meaning against) and "durare" (meaning to endure or last). The suffix "-ness" indicates a state or quality. Thus, the word "obdurateness" refers to the quality of being stubborn or resistant to change, enduring against persuasion or influence.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'against' ('ob-') change and 'enduring' ('durare') stubbornly — that's what obdurateness means.

Visually Confused Words
moderateness
ornateness
oblateness
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