How to pronounce obstinate
Say it like AHB-stuh-nut. Obstinate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce obstinate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AHB
- stuh
- nut
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Obstinate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AHBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- stuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nutKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of obstinate
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: OB-stih-nut.
What does obstinate mean?
- Stubbornly adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course, usually with implied unreasonableness; persistent.
- Of an inanimate object, not easily subdued or removed.“an obstinate blockage in the pipe”
- Of a facial feature or expression, fixed and unmoving.
Where does obstinate come from?
Inherited from Middle English obstinat(e) (“obstinate, stubborn”), from Latin obstinātus, perfect passive participle of obstinō (“set one's mind firmly upon, resolve”) (see -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from ob (“before”) + *stinare, fr
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying obstinate
How do you pronounce obstinate?
Say AHB-stuh-nut. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑbstənət/. In British English it is /ˈɒbstɪnət/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in obstinate?
Obstinate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHB). Broken into parts: AHB · stuh · nut.
Is obstinate pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈɒbstɪnət/ (OB-stih-nut).