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Webster 1913 Edition


Pertinacious

Perˊti-na′cious

,
Adj.
[L.
pertinax
,
-acis
;
per + tenax
tenacious. See
Per-
, and
Tenacious
.]
1.
Holding or adhering to any opinion, purpose, or design, with obstinacy; perversely persistent; obstinate;
as,
pertinacious
plotters; a
pertinacious
beggar.
2.
Resolute; persevering; constant; steady.
Diligence is a steady, constant, and
pertinacious
study.
South.
Syn. – Obstinate; stubborn; inflexible; unyielding; resolute; determined; firm; constant; steady.
Perˊti-na′cious-ly
,
adv.
Perˊti-na′cious-ness
,
Noun.

Webster 1828 Edition


Pertinacious

PERTINA'CIOUS

,
Adj.
[L.pertinax; per and teneo, to hold.]
1.
Holding or adhering to any opinion, purpose or design with obstinacy; obstinate; perversely resolute or persistent; as pertinacious in opinion; a man of pertinacious confidence.
2.
Resolute; firm; constant; steady.
Diligence is a steady, constant, pertinacious study--
[This word often implies a censurable degree of firmness of constancy, like obstinacy.

Definition 2024


pertinacious

pertinacious

English

Adjective

pertinacious (comparative more pertinacious, superlative most pertinacious)

  1. Holding tenaciously to an opinion or purpose.
    • 1884, Henry James, "The Path of Duty" in The English Illustrated Magazine 2(15): 240–256.
      He would really have to make up his mind to care for his wife or not to care for her. What would Lady Vandeleur say to one alternative, and what would little Joscelind say to the other? That is what it was to have a pertinacious father and to be an accommodating son.
  2. Stubbornly resolute or tenacious.

Synonyms

  • See also Wikisaurus:obstinate

Related terms

Translations