Obstinately vs Obstinate: When And How Can You Use Each One?

Are you feeling obstinate about the proper use of the word obstinately? Fear not, dear reader, for we are here to clear up any confusion and provide you with a definitive answer.

Let’s define our terms. Obstinate is an adjective that describes someone or something that is stubbornly refusing to change their opinion or course of action. Obstinate can also refer to something that is difficult to deal with or overcome. On the other hand, obstinately is an adverb that describes an action or behavior that is done in a stubborn or unyielding manner.

So, which is the proper word to use? The answer is both, depending on the context. If you want to describe a person or thing that is stubborn, you would use obstinate. If you want to describe an action or behavior that is done in a stubborn manner, you would use obstinately.

Now that we have cleared up the confusion between these two words, let’s dive deeper into their meanings and usage in the English language.

Obstinately

Obstinately is an adverb that describes a person’s behavior as stubbornly persistent, refusing to change their mind or course of action despite persuasion or reasoning. It implies a sense of determination and persistence that may be seen as admirable or frustrating, depending on the context.

Obstinate

Obstinate is an adjective that describes a person or thing that is stubbornly resistant to change or persuasion. It implies a sense of inflexibility and rigidity, often in the face of overwhelming evidence or argument. An obstinate person may be seen as admirable for their steadfastness, or frustrating for their refusal to compromise.

Obstinate can also be used to describe a medical condition that is difficult to treat or cure, such as an obstinate infection or an obstinate headache.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using words in a sentence, it’s important to understand their meanings and nuances to avoid any confusion or miscommunication. This is especially true for words that sound similar and have similar meanings, like obstinately and obstinate.

How To Use Obstinately In A Sentence

Obstinately is an adverb that describes someone who is stubbornly refusing to change their opinion or course of action. Here are some examples of how to use obstinately in a sentence:

• Despite the evidence presented to her, she obstinately refused to believe that she was wrong.
• The CEO obstinately insisted on implementing his own strategy, despite the objections of his team.
• He obstinately held onto his grudge, even though it had been years since they had last spoken.

As you can see, obstinately is used to describe someone who is persistently and stubbornly refusing to change their stance or behavior.

How To Use Obstinate In A Sentence

Obstinate is an adjective that describes someone who is stubborn and unwilling to change their opinion or course of action. Here are some examples of how to use obstinate in a sentence:

• His obstinate refusal to compromise led to the breakdown of the negotiations.
• The child was so obstinate that he refused to eat anything except his favorite food.
• Despite the doctor’s orders, the patient was obstinate and refused to take his medication.

As you can see, obstinate is used to describe someone who is stubborn and unyielding in their beliefs or actions.

More Examples Of Obstinately & Obstinate Used In Sentences

Here are some more examples to help you understand the proper usage of the words obstinately and obstinate.

Examples Of Using Obstiantely In A Sentence

• Despite the evidence presented to her, she obstinately refused to change her opinion.
• He obstinately insisted on taking the longer route, even though it would mean arriving late.
• The child obstinately refused to eat his vegetables, despite his mother’s repeated pleas.
• She obstinately held onto her belief, even though it had been proven wrong.
• He obstinately refused to apologize, even though he knew he was in the wrong.
• The company obstinately refused to lower their prices, despite the competition offering better deals.
• She obstinately clung to her outdated methods, even though there were more efficient ways of doing things.
• He obstinately ignored the warning signs, and ended up getting lost in the woods.
• The politician obstinately stuck to his party’s policies, even though they were widely unpopular.
• Despite the doctor’s advice, he obstinately continued smoking, and his health deteriorated rapidly.

Examples Of Using Obstinate In A Sentence

• The obstinate child refused to go to bed, and stayed up all night.
• She was known for her obstinate personality, and never backed down from a challenge.
• His obstinate behavior caused him to lose many friends over the years.
• The company’s obstinate refusal to change with the times ultimately led to its downfall.
• Despite the obstacles in her way, she remained obstinate in her pursuit of success.
• His obstinate refusal to compromise led to a breakdown in negotiations.
• The obstinate old man refused to use a computer, and insisted on doing everything by hand.
• Her obstinate determination to succeed inspired many others to follow in her footsteps.
• His obstinate pride prevented him from admitting his mistakes, even when they were obvious.
• The obstinate horse refused to be tamed, and threw off every rider who tried to break it.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words correctly, it’s easy to make mistakes. One such mistake is using “obstinately” and “obstinate” interchangeably. While they may seem similar, they have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Obstinately” As An Adjective

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “obstinately” as an adjective, when it is actually an adverb. For example, saying “he was an obstinately man” is incorrect. The correct usage would be “he acted obstinately.”

Using “Obstinate” As An Adverb

Conversely, “obstinate” is an adjective and should not be used as an adverb. For example, saying “he acted obstinate” is incorrect. The correct usage would be “he acted in an obstinate manner.”

Using “Obstinate” To Describe Inanimate Objects

Another common mistake is using “obstinate” to describe inanimate objects. The word “obstinate” implies a stubbornness or refusal to change, which is not applicable to objects. For example, saying “the obstinate door wouldn’t open” is incorrect. The correct usage would be “the door was stuck.”

Using “Obstinately” To Describe Inanimate Objects

Similarly, “obstinately” should not be used to describe inanimate objects. This adverb implies a human quality of stubbornness, and is not applicable to objects. For example, saying “the door knob was obstinately stuck” is incorrect. The correct usage would be “the door knob was stuck.”

Tips For Avoiding Mistakes

One way to avoid making these mistakes is to double-check the definition of the word before using it. Additionally, pay attention to the part of speech of the word to ensure it is being used correctly. Finally, if you are unsure about the correct usage, consult a dictionary or grammar guide. By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can improve your writing and communication skills.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words “obstinately” and “obstinate”, context plays a crucial role. Both words are derived from the root “obstinate,” which means to be stubborn or unwilling to change course. However, the two words have different connotations and are used in different contexts.

Obstinately

The word “obstinately” is an adverb that describes how an action is performed. It means to do something in a stubborn or unyielding manner, often in the face of opposition or difficulty. For example, a person might obstinately refuse to accept a job offer despite the fact that they are unemployed and struggling to make ends meet.

Here are some other examples of how “obstinately” might be used:

• He obstinately refused to apologize, even though he knew he was wrong.
• The company obstinately refused to change its policies, despite mounting criticism from consumers.
• She obstinately held onto her beliefs, even when presented with evidence to the contrary.

Obstinate

The word “obstinate” is an adjective that describes a person or thing that is stubborn or difficult to deal with. It can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from a person who refuses to compromise to a machine that is difficult to repair. For example, a child might be described as obstinate if they refuse to eat their vegetables, or a car might be described as obstinate if it keeps breaking down despite numerous repairs.

Here are some other examples of how “obstinate” might be used:

• The company’s obstinate refusal to change its policies led to a decline in sales.
• Her obstinate personality made it difficult for her to make friends.
• The problem with the machine was its obstinate nature, which made it difficult to repair.

As you can see, the choice between “obstinately” and “obstinate” depends on the context in which they are used. “Obstinately” is used to describe how an action is performed, while “obstinate” is used to describe a person or thing that is stubborn or difficult to deal with. By understanding the nuances of these two words, you can use them more effectively in your writing and communication.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using obstinately and obstinate are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions that are worth noting. In certain contexts, these words may be used in ways that do not strictly adhere to the standard definitions.

Obstinately

• As an adverb, obstinately is typically used to describe a person’s behavior, indicating that they are unyielding or stubborn in their actions. However, there are some cases where obstinately may be used in a different way:
• When used to modify a verb that describes an action or process, obstinately can indicate that the action is being done in a way that is difficult or challenging. For example:

“She obstinately continued to climb the mountain, despite the treacherous terrain.”

In this case, obstinately is modifying the verb “continued,” indicating that the act of climbing the mountain was difficult or challenging.

Obstinate

• As an adjective, obstinate is typically used to describe a person or thing that is stubborn or unyielding in its behavior or beliefs. However, there are some cases where obstinate may be used in a different way:
• When used to describe a physical object, obstinate can indicate that the object is difficult to move or manipulate. For example:

“The old car was obstinate, refusing to start no matter how many times he turned the key.”

In this case, obstinate is describing the physical difficulty of starting the car.

It is important to note that these exceptions are relatively rare, and in most cases, obstinately and obstinate should be used according to their standard definitions. However, understanding these exceptions can help writers to use these words more effectively and creatively in their writing.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the differences between obstinately and obstinate, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1:

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

1. Despite her ___________ refusal to listen to reason, he continued to plead his case.
2. He ___________ refused to accept the offer, even though it was a great opportunity.
3. The child ___________ refused to eat his vegetables, even though he knew it was good for him.

Answer key:

1. Obstinate
2. Obstinately
3. Obstinately

Exercise 2:

Complete the following sentences with either obstinately or obstinate:

1. She ___________ refused to apologize for her mistake.
2. He was ___________ determined to succeed, no matter what obstacles came his way.
3. The old man ___________ held onto his beliefs, even though they were outdated.
4. The politician ___________ defended his position, even though it was unpopular.

Answer key:

1. Obstinately
2. Obstinate
3. Obstinately
4. Obstinately

By completing these exercises, you should now have a better understanding of how to use obstinately and obstinate in your writing. Remember, obstinately refers to the manner in which someone behaves, while obstinate describes a person or thing that is stubborn or difficult to manage. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be using these words like a pro!

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between obstinately vs obstinate, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and usage in the English language.

Obstinately is an adverb that describes the manner in which someone behaves, specifically in a stubborn and unyielding way. It is often used to modify verbs and actions, such as “he obstinately refused to apologize.”

On the other hand, obstinate is an adjective that describes a person or thing that is stubborn and difficult to control or change. It is often used to describe a person’s character or a situation, such as “an obstinate child who refuses to listen.”

It is important to use these words correctly in order to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion. By understanding the nuances of language use, we can communicate more effectively and clearly.

As with any aspect of grammar and language use, there is always more to learn and explore. By continuing to expand our knowledge and understanding, we can become more confident and effective communicators.