pertinacity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency)Formal, literary; often found in academic, historical, or critical writing.
Quick answer
What does “pertinacity” mean?
The quality of holding firmly to a purpose, belief, or course of action despite difficulty, opposition, or discouragement.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality of holding firmly to a purpose, belief, or course of action despite difficulty, opposition, or discouragement; stubborn persistence.
The determined adherence to an opinion, cause, or undertaking that others may find unreasonable or annoying. Can be seen as a positive trait (tenacity, perseverance) or a negative one (obstinacy, pig-headedness) depending on context and perspective.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. The word is equally formal and low-frequency in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British literary and historical texts, but the difference is marginal.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday speech in both regions, reserved for formal writing or eloquent speech.
Grammar
How to Use “pertinacity” in a Sentence
pertinacity in [doing something/-ing noun]pertinacity of [person/group]with pertinacityVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pertinacity” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The related verb is 'persevere' or 'persist'. There is no direct verb form 'to pertinacitate'.
- He continued to pertinaciously pursue his goal. (using the adverb)
American English
- No direct verb form exists. Use 'to show pertinacity' or 'to be pertinacious'.
- She pertinaciously defended her thesis. (using the adverb)
adverb
British English
- He clung pertinaciously to the old methods.
- The team worked pertinaciously to meet the deadline.
American English
- She pertinaciously followed every lead in the case.
- He argued his point pertinaciously, if not always convincingly.
adjective
British English
- He was a pertinacious defender of traditional values.
- Her pertinacious efforts finally bore fruit.
American English
- The reporter was known for her pertinacious investigations.
- Despite setbacks, his pertinacious attitude never wavered.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in a formal review: 'Her pertinacity in negotiating the deal ultimately secured favorable terms.'
Academic
Most common in historical, biographical, or political science texts to describe a figure's unwavering stance: 'The treaty was a testament to the ambassador's diplomatic pertinacity.'
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would be replaced by 'stubbornness' or 'determination'.
Technical
Occasionally in legal or philosophical discourse to describe unwavering adherence to a principle or argument.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pertinacity”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pertinacity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pertinacity”
- Mispronouncing it as /pɜːrˈtɪnəsɪti/ (stress on the wrong syllable).
- Using it in informal contexts where it sounds unnatural and pretentious.
- Confusing it with 'pertinence' (relevance).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but formal. Context determines its connotation. It can be praise ('admirable pertinacity') or criticism ('annoying pertinacity').
They are very close synonyms. 'Pertinacity' is more formal and often implies a persistence that others might challenge or find unreasonable. 'Tenacity' is more common and generally viewed positively.
It is not recommended as it will sound excessively formal and possibly pretentious. Use 'determination', 'persistence', or 'stubbornness' instead.
The adjective is 'pertinacious' (e.g., a pertinacious critic).
The quality of holding firmly to a purpose, belief, or course of action despite difficulty, opposition, or discouragement.
Pertinacity is usually formal, literary; often found in academic, historical, or critical writing. in register.
Pertinacity: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɜːtɪˈnæsɪti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɜːrtənˈæsəti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly; the word itself is used in place of simpler idioms like 'stick-to-itiveness' or 'digging one's heels in'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'PERsist TENACiously' = PERTINACity. It combines the ideas of persistence and tenacity.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOLDING ON / NOT LETTING GO (e.g., 'clinging to a belief', 'holding fast to a course of action').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'pertinacity' CORRECTLY?