What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thwart
Example
The bad weather thwarted our plans to go on a picnic. [thwarted: past tense]
Example
The opposition party tried to thwart the government's efforts to pass the new law. [thwart: verb]
obstinate
Example
My sister can be very obstinate when she doesn't want to do something. [obstinate: adjective]
Example
The company faced obstinate resistance from the workers' union during the negotiations. [obstinate: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thwart is more common than obstinate in everyday language, and it can be used in various contexts. Obstinate, on the other hand, is less common and more formal, typically used in more serious or professional settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between thwart and obstinate?
Obstinate is more formal than thwart and is often used in professional or academic contexts. It is not commonly used in casual conversation or informal writing. Thwart, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal settings.