What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obstinate
Example
The child was obstinate and refused to eat his vegetables. [obstinate: adjective]
Example
The company's obstinate policies led to a decline in sales. [obstinate: adjective]
Example
The wood was too obstinate to carve into the desired shape. [obstinate: adjective]
adamant
Example
She was adamant about not changing her mind, no matter what. [adamant: adjective]
Example
The government remained adamant in their decision despite protests from citizens. [adamant: adjective]
Example
The diamond was adamant and could not be scratched. [adamant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Obstinate is more commonly used than adamant in everyday language. Obstinate is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while adamant is less common and is typically reserved for more formal or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between obstinate and adamant?
Adamant is generally considered more formal than obstinate. It is often used in professional or academic settings to describe a person's unwavering stance or decision. Obstinate, on the other hand, is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
