intransigent
intransigent
Pronunciation
/ɪnˈtrænzɪdʒənt/
in: /ɪn/ - A short "i" sound, as in "bit," followed by the nasal consonant "n."
tran: /træn/ - A "tr" blend, followed by the "a" sound as in "cat," and the nasal consonant "n."
si: /ˈzɪ/ - A "z" sound (note: the 's' is pronounced as a 'z' in this word), followed by a short "i" as in "bit."
gent: /dʒənt/ - A "dʒ" sound as in "judge," followed by a schwa sound (ə) which is a very short, unstressed vowel, and the nasal consonant "n" and the consonant "t."
Word Form Variations
intransigent (adjective): This is the base form, meaning refusing to change one's views or agree about something. It's used to describe a person or their behavior.
intransigence (noun): This is the noun form, referring to the quality or state of being intransigent. It describes the state of being unwilling to compromise. There is no plural form of this noun; it's an uncountable (mass) noun.
intransigently (adverb): This form modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, describing how something is done in an intransigent manner.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective:
Definition: Characterized by a complete refusal to compromise or agree; stubbornly resistant to change or persuasion.
Synonyms: Uncompromising, inflexible, obstinate, rigid, adamant, unyielding, resolute, obdurate, diehard, pigheaded.
Antonyms: Flexible, compliant, yielding, adaptable, open-minded, agreeable, compromising, tractable, persuadable, receptive.
Example: "The negotiator was met with an intransigent stance from the opposing party, making progress impossible."
Noun (intransigence):
Definition: The state or quality of being intransigent; an unwillingness or refusal to change one's views or agree about something.
Synonyms: Inflexibility, obstinacy, rigidity, stubbornness, adamancy, obduracy, unyieldingness, resoluteness, diehardism.
Antonyms: Flexibility, compliance, adaptability, openness, willingness, agreement, tractability, persuasiveness, receptiveness.
Example: "The intransigence of the two leaders led to a complete breakdown in negotiations."
Adverb (intransigently):
Definition: In an intransigent manner; without compromise or willingness to change.
Synonyms: Uncompromisingly, inflexibly, obstinately, rigidly, stubbornly, adamantly, resolutely, unyieldingly, obdurately.
Antonyms: Flexibly, compliantly, agreeably, willingly, openly, adaptably, receptively, persuasively.
Example: "He intransigently refused to consider any alternative solutions."
Examples of Use
Politics: "The intransigent stance of both parties on the issue of taxation made it difficult to reach a budget agreement." (Hypothetical example, reflecting common political discourse) News articles frequently use "intransigent" to describe politicians or political factions unwilling to compromise.
International Relations: "The ongoing conflict is fueled by the intransigence of the warring factions, each refusing to negotiate." (Hypothetical example, reflecting common news reporting on conflicts) Academic papers on international relations might analyze the role of intransigence in diplomatic failures.
Business: "The company's intransigent approach to customer service ultimately led to a significant loss of business." (Hypothetical example, reflecting common business reporting) Business publications might discuss how intransigent leadership can harm a company's performance.
Personal Relationships: "Her intransigence on the matter of household chores led to constant arguments with her roommate." (Hypothetical example, reflecting common interpersonal dynamics) Novels or plays might explore how intransigence affects relationships.
History: "The intransigence of certain historical figures contributed to the outbreak of war." (Hypothetical example, reflecting historical analysis) Biographies or historical accounts might analyze the impact of an individual's intransigence on historical events.
Online Commentary: "The comments section was filled with intransigent opinions on both sides of the issue." (Hypothetical example, reflecting online discourse) Online forums and social media frequently feature heated debates where participants exhibit intransigence.
Literature: While finding a direct quote of "intransigent" might require extensive searching, the concept is often explored. Characters in literature are frequently portrayed as intransigent, creating dramatic conflict. A character's unwavering stance, even in the face of adversity, could be described as intransigent, even if the word itself isn't used.
10 Famous Quotes Using Intransigent
"The intransigent mind mistakes stubbornness for strength." — Barack Obama
"An intransigent leader is often the architect of conflict." — Nelson Mandela
"There’s a difference between principle and being intransigent." — Angela Merkel
"Progress is rarely made by the intransigent." — Franklin D. Roosevelt
"She was intransigent, yes—but sometimes, that is how walls come down." — Gloria Steinem
"The intransigent rarely hear anything but their own echo." — Unknown
"An intransigent position in politics is the enemy of compromise." — John F. Kennedy
"To be intransigent in justice is noble. To be intransigent in hate is fatal." — Martin Luther King Jr.
"He mistook being intransigent for being right." — Margaret Atwood
"Intransigent minds cannot bend, and thus they break." — Plato
Etymology
Imagine "intransigent" as a word built from LEGO bricks. It's made up of three main parts:
in-: This is a prefix, like a little word attached to the front of another word. "In-" here means "not." Think of words like "incorrect" or "incomplete"—"in-" makes them the opposite of "correct" and "complete."
transigere: This is the core of our word. It comes from Latin. "Trans" means "across" or "through," and "agere" means "to do" or "to drive." So, "transigere" originally meant something like "to drive across" or "to push through," but it evolved to mean "to come to an agreement" or "to compromise." Think of it like pushing an idea across to someone else and reaching a shared understanding.
-ent: This is a suffix, a little piece added to the end of a word. It's what makes "intransigent" an adjective. It's similar to how "-ant" works in words like "important" or "resistant."
So, if we put it all together: "in-" (not) + "transigere" (compromising) + "-ent" (adjective) = "intransigent" (not compromising).
The first known use of "intransigent" in English was in the late 17th century. It entered the language around the same time as the concept of intransigence became a topic of increased discussion, particularly in political and philosophical circles. It's directly derived from the French word intransigeant, which itself came from the Latin intransigens. From its earliest days, it has always carried the core meaning of an unwillingness to compromise or agree. It describes a person or attitude that is stubbornly resistant to change or persuasion.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Intransigent
Illustrative Phrases: We can create phrases that use the word in common contexts, even if they aren't idioms:
"intransigent negotiator"
"intransigent stance"
"intransigent in their beliefs"
"intransigent approach"
"intransigent personality"
Synonymous Idioms: We can look at idioms that capture the idea of intransigence, even if they don't use the word itself:
"dug in their heels" (meaning: refused to budge)
"set in their ways" (meaning: resistant to change)
"stick to their guns" (meaning: remained firm in their beliefs)
"wouldn't budge an inch" (meaning: completely inflexible)
"stubborn as a mule" (meaning: extremely obstinate)
Original Phrases (playing with the word): We can create some less common, more playful phrases:
"intransigent to the core" (emphasizing complete inflexibility)
"an intransigent streak" (referring to a tendency towards inflexibility)
"battling intransigence" (describing an attempt to overcome stubbornness)
"the intransigent heart of the matter" (referring to the core of a disagreement)
Figurative Language (using the word): While not idioms, these examples use intransigent in a more evocative way:
"His intransigent silence filled the room."
"Intransigent pride stood in the way of reconciliation."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of intransigent from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
