Definition of stubborn

The word "stubborn" has a complex etymology. It originated in the 14th century from the Old French word "estubre," meaning "to be obstinate" or "to be hard to manage." This in turn came from the Latin word "stupor," which meant "stupidity" or "stupid" (although it's worth noting that the Latin word had a different connotation, implying a lack of awareness or understanding rather than a stubborn refusal to change one's mind). The sense of the word evolved over time to emphasize the idea of resisting or refusing to change, often in a sense of defiance or obstinacy. By the 16th century, "stubborn" was being used in English to describe someone or something that was uncooperative, obstinate, or unwilling to yield. Today, the word is still used to describe a range of behaviors, from minor refusals to dramatic acts of defiance.