pertinax
The Latin word for stubborn is pertinax.
The word pertinax describes someone refusing to move or change their opinion.
Meaning: refusing to move or change one's opinion (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word contains the prefix per-, meaning thoroughly or through, which intensifies the root to suggest holding on thoroughly or persistently.
Which one should you use?
While pertinax can mean stubborn, it often carries a connotation of persistence or tenacity in a task, whereas words like obstinatus lean more heavily toward irrational or unreasonable stubbornness.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, pertinax follows the third declension pattern. The nominative singular form is pertinax and the nominative plural form is pertinaces.
Did you know?
- The English word 'pertain' also shares the same root verb pertineō as pertinax, though its meaning shifted from 'holding on' to 'relating to'.
- In Roman legal and political rhetoric, being pertinax could be framed as a virtue of 'constantia' or firmness of mind rather than a negative trait.
- In the works of Virgil, adjectives like pertinax are often used to describe the relentless nature of fate or the gods, rather than just human behavior.
Examples in context
- Maledictus furor eorum, quia pertinax, et indignatio eorum, quia dura! Dividam eos in Iacob et dispergam eos in Israel.Cursed be their fury, because it was stubborn: and their wrath, because it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and will scatter them in Israel.This sentence uses pertinax to describe the nature of a fury.Tatoeba #7919392 by carlosalberto, translation #7919394 by carlosalberto
- Ille vir pertinax est.That man is stubborn.
Example conversation
Claudia and Gaius are arguing about a plan.
- ClaudiaTua opinio falsa est, Gai.Your opinion is wrong, Gaius.
- GaiusNon mutabo mentem meam.I will not change my mind.
- ClaudiaCur es tam pertinax?Why are you so stubborn?
- GaiusQuia scio me recte sentire.Because I know I am right.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
