obstinat-se
[obs-ti-NAR-se]
verb (pronominal/reflexive)
to be obstinate; to stubbornly persist; to dig in one's heels
1. to persist stubbornly in an opinion, course of action, or belief despite opposition or reason
He obstinated himself in refusing to listen to any advice.
Ele se obstinou em recusar qualquer conselho.
2. to remain firmly fixed or determined, often unreasonably
She obstinated herself about changing her mind on the matter.
Ela se obstinou em não mudar de ideia sobre o assunto.
3. to stubbornly resist or oppose change or persuasion
The child obstinated himself and refused to go to bed.
A criança se obstinou e recusou ir para a cama.
This verb is more formal and literary in Brazilian Portuguese. In everyday speech, Brazilians typically prefer 'teimar' or 'insistir'. The reflexive form 'obstinat-se' emphasizes the intentional, active nature of stubbornness. It's commonly used in written Portuguese, journalism, and formal discourse to describe someone's refusal to budge on a position.
NYC Slang
dig in your heels; be stubborn as a mule
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