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Stubborn Definition, Examples & Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：refuse to change (stubborn)
stubborn
/ˈstʌbərn/
adj.
Describing someone who refuses to change their mind or give up, even when it might be better to do so.
refuse to change
➕
/rɪˈfjuːz tə tʃeɪndʒ/
adj.
Describes a person who is determined not to change their opinion or action, despite reason or persuasion.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Etymology: 'stub' (stump) + 'born' = born like a stump, unyielding.
💡 Mnemonic
A stubborn person is like a 'stub' of wood: short, thick, and impossible to bend.
📖 Example
My little brother is so stubborn that he won’t even try a single vegetable on his plate.
My little brother is very stubborn; he refuses to even taste one vegetable.
🔗 Collocations
stubborn refusal – the act of refusing despite urging
stubborn streak – a noticeable tendency to be stubborn
stubborn attitude – a mindset of determined opposition
🔄 Synonyms
obstinate (adj.) – firm in not changing one's mind
headstrong (adj.) – determined to have one's own way
pigheaded (adj.) – very stubborn and unreasonable
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
stubbornly (adv.) – in a stubborn manner
stubbornness (n.) – the quality of being stubborn
📖 Cultural Story
Stubborn (c. 1300) from Middle English 'stoborn', probably from 'stub' (stump) + 'born', meaning stiff as a stump. It evokes a tree stump's resistance to removal.
Meaning 2：difficult to remove (stubborn)
stubborn
/ˈstʌbərn/
adj.
Describing a problem or thing that is very difficult to solve, get rid of, or move.
difficult to remove
➕
/ˈdɪfɪkəlt tə rɪˈmuːv/
adj.
Refers to an issue, stain, or obstacle that resists all attempts to fix, clean, or move it.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The software had a stubborn bug that took the team weeks to finally fix.
The software had a persistent bug that required weeks of work to resolve.
🔗 Collocations
stubborn stain – a stain that is hard to clean
stubborn problem – a problem that persists despite efforts
stubborn resistance – strong opposition that continues
🔄 Synonyms
persistent (adj.) – continuing to exist despite attempts to stop
tenacious (adj.) – holding tightly to something
resistant (adj.) – not easily affected by something
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
stubbornly (adv.) – in a stubborn manner
stubbornness (n.) – the quality of being stubborn
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