Persistent vs. Stubborn: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson & Janet White || Updated on May 23, 2024
Persistent refers to continuing firmly despite difficulties, usually positively, while stubborn describes refusing to change one's mind or behavior, often negatively.
Key Differences
Persistent describes someone who continues steadfastly in a course of action despite obstacles or challenges. It is often seen positively, highlighting determination and perseverance. Stubborn, on the other hand, refers to someone who is unwilling to change their attitude or position, often unreasonably. It has a more negative connotation, suggesting inflexibility and obstinacy.
Persistence is generally considered a commendable trait, signifying resilience and the ability to endure hardships to achieve a goal. It suggests a positive form of perseverance and tenacity. Conversely, stubbornness is usually viewed negatively, implying a rigid and often irrational adherence to one’s own views or plans, even to the detriment of progress or relationships.
While persistent individuals are praised for their dedication and hard work, stubborn individuals are often criticized for their unwillingness to adapt or consider alternative perspectives. Persistence can lead to positive outcomes through sustained effort, whereas stubbornness can lead to conflict and missed opportunities due to an unwillingness to compromise.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Continuing firmly despite difficulties
Refusing to change one's mind or behavior
Connotation
Positive
Negative
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Usage Context
Describes determination and perseverance
Describes inflexibility and obstinacy
Example Usage
"Her persistent efforts were rewarded."
"He was stubborn and wouldn't listen."
Flexibility
Suggests adaptability and resilience
Implies rigidity and unreasonableness
Persistent and Stubborn Definitions
Persistent
Displaying consistent and continuous behavior.
He is persistent in achieving his goals.
Stubborn
Showing inflexible adherence to one's own ideas.
Her stubborn attitude caused friction in the team.
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Persistent
Continuing firmly in a course of action despite obstacles.
Her persistent study habits paid off with high grades.
Stubborn
Refusing to change one’s mind or course of action.
He was stubborn about sticking to his plan.
Persistent
Characterized by a repeated or continuous occurrence.
Persistent rumors about the merger circulated.
Stubborn
Resistant to change or correction.
The stubborn child refused to apologize.
Persistent
Enduring over a prolonged period.
The persistent rain lasted for days.
Stubborn
Difficult to move, remove, or deal with.
The stubborn weeds took over the garden.
Persistent
Refusing to give up or let go; persevering obstinately.
Stubborn
Refusing to change one's mind or course of action despite pressure to do so; unyielding or resolute.
Persistent
Insistently repetitive or continuous
A persistent honking of car horns.
Stubborn
Characterized by a refusal to change one's mind or course of action; dogged or persistent
Stubborn prejudice.
Stubborn earnestness.
Persistent
Existing or remaining in the same state for an indefinitely long time; enduring
Persistent rumors.
A persistent infection.
Stubborn
Difficult to treat or deal with; resistant to treatment or effort
Stubborn soil.
Stubborn stains.
Persistent
(Botany) Lasting past maturity without falling off, as the calyx on an eggplant or the scales of a pine cone.
Stubborn
Refusing to move or to change one's opinion; obstinate; firmly resisting; persistent in doing something.
He is pretty stubborn about his political beliefs, so why bother arguing?
Blood can make a very stubborn stain on fabrics if not washed properly.
Persistent
(Zoology) Retained permanently, rather than disappearing in an early stage of development
The persistent gills of fishes.
Stubborn
Of materials: physically stiff and inflexible; not easily melted or worked.
Persistent
Obstinately refusing to give up or let go.
She has had a persistent cough for weeks.
Stubborn
(informal) Stubbornness.
Persistent
Insistently repetitive.
There was a persistent knocking on the door.
Stubborn
A disease of citrus trees characterized by stunted growth and misshapen fruit, caused by Spiroplasma citri.
Persistent
Indefinitely continuous.
There have been persistent rumours for years.
Stubborn
Firm as a stub or stump; stiff; unbending; unyielding; persistent; hence, unreasonably obstinate in will or opinion; not yielding to reason or persuasion; refractory; harsh; - said of persons and things; as, stubborn wills; stubborn ore; a stubborn oak; as stubborn as a mule.
And I was young and full of ragerie [wantonness]Stubborn and strong, and jolly as a pie.
These heretics be so stiff and stubborn.
Your stubborn usage of the pope.
Persistent
(botany) Lasting past maturity without falling off.
Pine cones have persistent scales.
Stubborn
Tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield
Persistent
(computing) Of data or a data structure: not transient or temporary, but remaining in existence after the termination of the program that creates it.
Once written to a disk file, the data becomes persistent: it will still be there tomorrow when we run the next program.
Stubborn
Not responding to treatment;
A stubborn infection
A refractory case of acne
Persistent
(mathematics) Describing a fractal process that has a positive Brown function
Stubborn
Difficult to treat or deal with;
Stubborn rust stains
A stubborn case of acne
Persistent
Non-transient.
Stubborn
Persisting in a reactionary stand
Persistent
Inclined to persist; having staying qualities; tenacious of position or purpose.
Stubborn
Persisting in a difficult or challenging manner.
Stubborn stains on the fabric were hard to remove.
Persistent
Remaining beyond the period when parts of the same kind sometimes fall off or are absorbed; permanent; as, persistent teeth or gills; a persistent calyx; - opposed to deciduous, and caducous.
Persistent
Never-ceasing;
The relentless beat of the drums
Persistent
Continually recurring to the mind;
Haunting memories
The cathedral organ and the distant voices have a haunting beauty
Persistent
Retained; not shed;
Persistent leaves remain attached past maturity
The persistent gills of fishes
Persistent
Unyielding in purpose or belief.
Persistent efforts are key to success.
FAQs
Is stubborn a negative term?
Yes, it often implies inflexibility and obstinacy.
Can someone be both persistent and stubborn?
Yes, but the context determines if the trait is viewed positively or negatively.
What does persistent mean?
Persistent means continuing firmly in a course of action despite difficulties.
What does stubborn mean?
Stubborn means refusing to change one's mind or behavior, often unreasonably.
Does persistent imply adaptability?
Yes, it suggests resilience and adaptability in overcoming challenges.
Is persistent a positive term?
Yes, it usually connotes determination and perseverance.
How is persistent used in a sentence?
e.g., "His persistent efforts finally led to a breakthrough."
Does stubborn imply rigidity?
Yes, it implies a rigid adherence to one's own views or plans.
Is persistence a trait of successful people?
Often, yes, as it involves enduring effort towards goals.
How is stubborn used in a sentence?
e.g., "She was too stubborn to ask for help."
Can persistence lead to success?
Yes, persistence is often key to achieving long-term goals.
Can persistence be annoying?
It can be, if it appears as relentless or excessive determination.
Is stubbornness seen in negative contexts?
Usually, as it suggests an unwillingness to change or adapt.
Is stubbornness ever useful?
Rarely, it can be if it means standing firm on important principles.
Does being persistent mean never giving up?
Generally, yes, it involves continuous effort despite setbacks.
Can stubbornness cause problems?
Yes, stubbornness can lead to conflict and missed opportunities.
Can stubbornness be admired?
Occasionally, if it is seen as standing firm in one's beliefs.
Is persistence important in learning?
Yes, persistent effort is crucial for mastering new skills.
Does being stubborn mean not listening to others?
Often, yes, as it implies refusing to consider other viewpoints.
Can persistence be taught?
Yes, it can be developed through practice and resilience-building.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
