intransigent
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of intransigent
1875–80; < Spanish intransigente, equivalent to in- in- 3 + transigente (present participle of transigir to compromise) < Latin trānsigent- (stem of trānsigēns, present participle of trānsigere to come to an agreement); see transact
Explanation
Intransigent means inflexible, stubborn, entrenched. Argue all you like with an intransigent three-year-old. He will never back down from the position that he wants the lollipop NOW. Trans has to do with movement — think transportation, or a package in transit, i.e. "on the way." The in- of intransigent means "not," so something or someone who is intransigent is not moving. If one political party wants to raise funds to improve schools but the other is intransigent on the subject of higher taxes, the debate will get nowhere.
Vocabulary lists containing intransigent
300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 SAT Words Beginning with "I"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
30 GRE Words Beginning with "I"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Intransigent police officials risk being held in contempt of court or even prosecuted.
From Salon • Aug. 30, 2018
The chairman clamped down on the tirade, and the 77-man Intransigent bloc stormed out of the hall.
From Time Magazine Archive
In the balloting, Frondizi's own Intransigent Radical Party polled 540,000 more votes than during the last national election in 1960.
From Time Magazine Archive
Most of the provincial governors, Intransigent Radicals themselves, called for Frondizi's restoration.
From Time Magazine Archive
Only thirty-four Intransigent Socialists refused to join in the cheers, even in the cry "Viva Italia!" and they were hooted and hissed.
From New York Times Current History; The European War, Vol 2, No. 3, June, 1915 April-September, 1915 by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
