Pronunciation: [stˈʌbən] (IPA) 
The word "stubborn" is spelled with a silent "b" and pronounced /ˈstʌbərn/. The "u" is followed by "bb," indicating a short vowel sound. The "o" in the second syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound - /ə/. The word comes from the Old Norse "stópr," meaning "untamed" or "unbroken." Stubbornness can be a good quality in some cases, but it can also be a hindrance if we refuse to adapt or change our ways.
Stubborn is an adjective that describes a person's unwavering determination to hold onto their beliefs, opinions, or viewpoints, often refusing to change them or consider alternative perspectives. It refers to someone who is obstinate, dogged, or persistent in their attitudes and actions, displaying an unwillingness to compromise or yield. A stubborn person tends to exhibit a strong resistance to being influenced or persuaded by others, displaying a firm adherence to their own ideas even when confronted with convincing arguments or evidence to the contrary.
This term also implies a certain level of toughness or resilience, as someone who is stubborn usually persists in their course of action despite facing difficulties, setbacks, or opposition. Such individuals can be quite tenacious and unwilling to back down in the face of challenges or obstacles.
While being determined and steadfast can be admirable qualities, excessive stubbornness may also lead to undesirable consequences, such as strained relationships, missed opportunities for growth, or an inability to adapt to new situations. It is important to strike a balance between assertiveness and flexibility, recognizing when it is beneficial to stand resolute and when it is necessary to consider alternative views to avoid becoming entrenched or dogmatic.
Unbending, like a stub; rigid; obstinate; inflexibly headstrong.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "stubborn" originated from the Middle English term "stibourne", which can be traced back to the Old Norse word "stífr" (meaning stiff or rigid) and the Old English word "beornan" (meaning to burn or harden). The combination of these two elements led to the creation of "stubborn", which initially referred to something that is difficult to move, bend, or change - similar to how stiff or hardened materials behave. Over time, the term evolved to describe individuals who refuse to change their opinions, attitudes, or behavior, reflecting the idea of being unyielding or unchanging.
