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be obstinate

[/bi ˈɒbstɪnət/]
verb phrase
ser obstinado
1. to be stubbornly adhering to an opinion or course of action despite reasons, arguments, or persuasion to change
He continues to be obstinate about his decision despite all the evidence against it.
Ele continua a ser obstinado sobre sua decisão apesar de todas as evidências contra ela.
2. to display stubborn or unyielding behavior; to refuse to yield or comply
The child was being obstinate and refused to listen to her parents.
A criança estava sendo obstinada e recusava-se a ouvir seus pais.
NYC Slang
be hardheaded / be bullheaded
Synonyms
be stubbornbe headstrongbe pigheadedbe intransigentbe unyieldingbe inflexiblebe mulish
Antonyms
be flexiblebe yieldingbe compliantbe cooperativebe amenable

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser obstinado / ser teimoso
Both terms are commonly used; teimoso is more colloquial
São Paulo
ser teimoço
Regional variant emphasizing stubbornness
Rio de Janeiro
ser teimoso
Colloquial form preferred in everyday speech
Portugal
ser obstinado / ser cabeçudo
Cabeçudo is more informal and colloquial

Related Idioms & Phrases

dig in one's heels
stick to one's guns
hold one's ground
be as stubborn as a mule
not budge an inch
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