While in some cases nearly identical to stubborn , pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence. See more words from the same century. Accessed 14 Nov. Nglish: Translation of stubborn for Spanish Speakers. Britannica English: Translation of stubborn for Arabic Speakers. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!
Log in Sign Up. Thesaurus stubborn adjective. Save Word. Words Related to stubborn. Phrases Synonymous with stubborn. Near Antonyms for stubborn. This is because there are fine distinctions between wise stubbornness, ego-driven obstinacy and even sheer stupidity. When there is overwhelming evidence that we are wrong, but we still insist on staying our own course, we must ask ourselves what motivates us to dig our heels in. What is happening in our inner world? Conversely, when dealing with a stubborn person, we should not be fooled by outside appearances.
Stubborn people may seem invincible, but there is a huge difference between a strong person and a stubborn person. Stubbornness is often a sign of insecurity and a way to hold on to a very fragile mental equilibrium. Truly strong people know how to compromise when necessary. Stubborn people are often fearful of change, which explains the rigidity that characterises much of their behaviour. At an unconscious level, they perceive attempts to change their mind as personal attacks. Thus, they are always on their guard, lashing out at anyone who tries to question their ideas.
Instead of accepting new information or entertain the possibility that someone else could be right, they prefer to argue their original point of view. Their insecurities make them ideal candidates for confirmation bias, i. Stubbornness also touches on the dynamics of power.
When stubborn people perceive a threat to their dignity, honour or pride, they may resort to power games in which there can only be winners and losers.
With a preference for simplistic, black-and-white thinking, devoid of uncertainty or disagreement, they are often prejudiced and resort to stereotyping. Embedded opinions in these areas are the hardest to change, as they are more subject to personal judgment and idiosyncratic interpretation.
One can just think about Brexit, an issue around which political and economic ideologies have trumped reason. Because stubbornness contributes to interpersonal conflict, stubborn people sometimes see a need to change. In most instances, trying to change by themselves will be hard. If they do seek help — whether from a significant other, family member, friend, colleague or professional advisor — this individual had better possess a generous dose of empathy.
The first step is to understand the story behind the stubbornness. This involves uncovering some of the experiences that led to this maladaptive behaviour. Stubbornness often arises as a survival mechanism. They need to go with the flow and control any impulse to move directly against the defences of the stubborn person.
Instead, they should practise a form of emotional judo. Whatever resistances stubborn people put up — and however irritating they may be — helpers should try to remain empathic.
Arguing with stubborn people will not pay off. Helpers must be extremely careful not only about what to say but also when to say it. When the time is right to present a different opinion, it should be done very respectfully. At the root of all stubbornness is the fear of letting go of your own ideas, convictions, decisions and at times, identity. You have 1 free article s left this month. You are reading your last free article for this month.
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