intransigence
C1/C2Formal
Definition
Meaning
Refusal to change one's views, refusal to compromise, or unwillingness to agree or accept different ideas; complete stubbornness.
The quality of being uncompromising and inflexible in one's position, often in a political, ideological, or moral context, making negotiation or resolution difficult.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Intransigence implies a principled, often ideological, refusal to budge. It is stronger than simple stubbornness and often carries a negative connotation of obstructing progress. It is typically used to describe attitudes in negotiations, politics, or debates.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Equally negative in both varieties, describing obstructive stubbornness.
Frequency
Slightly more common in political/journalistic contexts in both varieties; no notable frequency difference.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
intransigence (on the part of/of [person/group])intransigence (over/on [issue])to meet with/encounter intransigenceto be characterised by intransigenceVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The talks broke down due to (a wall of) intransigence.”
- “To meet with stone-faced intransigence.”
- “The intransigence of the old guard.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; used in high-stakes negotiations or union disputes to describe a party refusing to budge.
Academic
Common in political science, history, and sociology to describe ideological or policy rigidity.
Everyday
Uncommon; would be used to describe a very stubborn person in a formal or exasperated tone.
Technical
Used in political analysis, conflict resolution, and diplomatic reports.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government was accused of intransiging on the key demands.
- (Note: verb 'intransige' is extremely rare and non-standard. The adjective 'intransigent' is used.)
American English
- (No standard verb form. Use 'to be intransigent' or 'to act with intransigence'.)
adverb
British English
- He intransigently defended his outdated policies.
- (Note: usage is rare and formal.)
American English
- The administration intransigently held to its original demands.
- (Rare, formal.)
adjective
British English
- The union leaders took an intransigent position from the outset.
- His intransigent refusal to consider alternatives doomed the talks.
American English
- The senator's intransigent stance on the bill angered her colleagues.
- They remained intransigent throughout the mediation process.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His intransigence made it impossible to reach an agreement.
- The political crisis was prolonged by the intransigence of both major parties.
- Her intellectual intransigence, while admirable in its purity, often alienated potential allies and stifled practical debate.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of IN (not) + TRANSIGENCE (like 'transact' or 'compromise'). Someone with intransigence will NOT make a transaction or deal; they refuse to move.
Conceptual Metaphor
STUBBORNNESS IS IMMOVABILITY / RIGIDITY (e.g., 'a wall of intransigence', 'their position was rock-solid').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'интранзигенция' (false cognate). Closest is 'непреклонность', 'несговорчивость', 'упрямство'. 'Интранзигентность' exists as a direct borrowing but is very formal and rare.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'intransigance' or 'intransigence'.
- Confusing with 'intransitive' (grammar).
- Using in contexts of mild stubbornness rather than principled, obstructive refusal.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes 'intransigence'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, almost always. It describes an obstructive, unreasonable, or uncooperative refusal to compromise, especially in situations where compromise is needed.
'Stubbornness' is a broader, more everyday term for refusing to change one's mind. 'Intransigence' is more formal and specific, implying a principled, often ideological refusal to compromise in negotiations or debates, carrying a stronger negative connotation.
Very rarely. It might be framed positively as 'steadfastness' or 'principled resolve' in contexts like standing up to tyranny, but typically its connotations of obstructiveness and rigidity make it negative.
The adjective 'intransigent' is used far more frequently than the noun 'intransigence' in both writing and speech.
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