The term "obdurate" is an adjective that describes someone who is stubborn, unyielding, and resistant to change or persuasion. It is derived from the Latin word "obduratus," which means "hardened" or "made firm."
When referring to a person, "obdurate" denotes an individual who displays an inflexible and uncompromising attitude, refusing to listen to reason or be influenced by arguments or pleas. Such individuals remain steadfast and unswerving in their opinions, beliefs, or actions, even when faced with evidence or counterarguments that may contradict or challenge their stance.
This term is not limited to describing a stubborn personality; it can also refer to a person who exhibits an unfeeling or ruthless nature. Someone described as obdurate may seem harsh, callous, or unresponsive to the needs or suffering of others. Their hardened disposition can make them unrelenting, unempathetic, and impervious to emotional appeals.
In a broader context, "obdurate" can be applied to objects, substances, or situations. For instance, one can describe an obdurate material as exceptionally hard, resistant to bending, breaking, or any kind of alteration. Additionally, the term can be used to characterize a problem or situation that proves to be unyielding or stubborn to resolve or change.
Overall, "obdurate" encapsulates the concept of being unyielding, stubborn, or unresponsive, whether in terms of personality, attitude, behavior, or material properties.
