Adamant vs. Intransigent — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 27, 2024
Adamant describes a person who is unyielding in their attitude or stance, while intransigent specifically refers to someone who refuses to change their views or agree to compromise.
Difference Between Adamant and Intransigent
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Being adamant involves holding a firm position or opinion, often with a strong will and determination, whereas being intransigent not only involves firmness but also implies a refusal to modify a position or negotiate in any way.
Adamant individuals can be steadfast due to deep convictions or beliefs, while intransigence often suggests a more rigid, sometimes unreasonable stubbornness that rejects any form of concession.
An adamant person might still engage in discussions and consider others' viewpoints, but remains firm in their final decision, whereas an intransigent person typically avoids any flexibility in dialogue or outcome.
The term "adamant" can have a slightly more positive connotation, admired for strength and resolve, while "intransigent" usually carries a negative implication, viewed as excessively stubborn and uncooperative.
In conflict resolution, an adamant person might be seen as tough but fair, whereas an intransigent individual could be viewed as a barrier to progress and agreement.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Firm in stance or opinion
Refusing to change views or compromise
Connotation
Often positive, implies resolve and strength
Generally negative, implies stubbornness
Flexibility
Limited, but may consider others' views
None, rejects any form of concession
Engagement
May engage in discussion
Often avoids negotiation or flexibility
Perceived as
Determined and strong
Unreasonable and obstructive
Compare with Definitions
Adamant
Showing a strong commitment.
She was adamant about maintaining quality despite budget cuts.
Intransigent
Extremely stubborn.
Her intransigent refusal to adhere to the guidelines caused frustration.
Adamant
Refusing to be persuaded or to change one’s mind.
He remained adamant about not selling the family land.
Intransigent
Unwilling to change or agree to compromise.
The negotiations failed due to his intransigent stance.
Adamant
Characterized by unshakable belief.
They were adamant in their support for environmental conservation.
Intransigent
Resistant to mediation or negotiation.
His intransigent attitude made mediation difficult.
Adamant
Unyielding in attitude or opinion.
She was adamant that the project be completed on time.
Intransigent
Holding stubbornly to a belief, opinion, or position.
The leader's intransigent views on reform stalled progress.
Adamant
Adamant in classical mythology is an archaic form of diamond. In fact, the English word diamond is ultimately derived from adamas, via Late Latin diamas and Old French diamant.
Intransigent
Showing no signs of concession.
In their intransigent opposition to the proposal, they blocked all attempts at discussion.
Adamant
Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind
He is adamant that he is not going to resign
Intransigent
Refusing to moderate a position, especially an extreme position; uncompromising.
Adamant
A legendary rock or mineral to which many properties were attributed, formerly associated with diamond or lodestone.
Intransigent
Unwilling to compromise or moderate a position; unreasonable.
Don't waste your time trying to change his mind: he's completely intransigent.
Adamant
Not willing to change one's opinion, purpose, or principles; unyielding.
Intransigent
A person who is intransigent.
Adamant
A stone once believed to be impenetrable in its hardness.
Intransigent
Refusing compromise; uncompromising; inflexible; irreconcilable.
Adamant
An extremely hard substance.
Intransigent
Not capable of being swayed or diverted from a course; unsusceptible to persuasion;
He is adamant in his refusal to change his mind
Cynthia was inexorable; she would have none of him
An intransigent conservative opposed to every liberal tendancy
Adamant
(said of people and their conviction) Firm; unshakeable; unyielding; determined.
Adamant
(of an object) Very difficult to break, pierce, or cut.
Adamant
An imaginary rock or mineral of impenetrable hardness; a name given to the diamond and other substances of extreme hardness.
Adamant
An embodiment of impregnable hardness.
Adamant
(obsolete) A lodestone.
Adamant
A stone imagined by some to be of impenetrable hardness; a name given to the diamond and other substances of extreme hardness; but in modern mineralogy it has no technical signification. It is now a rhetorical or poetical name for the embodiment of impenetrable hardness.
Opposed the rocky orbOf tenfold adamant, his ample shield.
Adamant
Lodestone; magnet.
As true to thee as steel to adamant.
Adamant
Very hard native crystalline carbon valued as a gem
Adamant
Not capable of being swayed or diverted from a course; unsusceptible to persuasion;
He is adamant in his refusal to change his mind
Cynthia was inexorable; she would have none of him
An intransigent conservative opposed to every liberal tendancy
Adamant
Firm and resolute.
The manager was adamant in enforcing the new policies.
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to be adamant about something?
It means to hold a firm, unwavering position or belief about that thing.
Why is intransigence often viewed negatively?
Because it involves refusing to compromise or consider alternative perspectives, which can hinder progress and cooperation.
How can one deal with an intransigent person in negotiations?
By using strategies such as demonstrating empathy, finding common ground, and presenting alternatives that might align with their interests without requiring a complete shift in position.
Can being adamant be beneficial?
Yes, it can be beneficial when it involves standing firm on important issues or values, demonstrating strength and resolve.
Is there ever a positive use of intransigence?
Rarely; while steadfastness can be admirable, intransigence usually denotes an unreasonable level of inflexibility.
How does intransigence affect team dynamics and project outcomes?
It can lead to conflicts, delay progress, and create an uncooperative atmosphere, ultimately affecting the overall success and cohesion of a team.
Is there a psychological basis for intransigent behavior?
Yes, factors such as personality traits, fear of change, past experiences, and a desire for control can contribute to intransigent behavior.
How can an organization benefit from having adamant leaders?
Adamant leaders can drive consistency, maintain focus on core values, and resist unwarranted changes, which can stabilize and steer an organization towards its long-term goals.
Can adamant behavior ever lead to negative outcomes?
Yes, if stubbornness prevents considering beneficial alternatives or responding adaptively to new information, it can lead to missed opportunities or persisting with ineffective strategies.
In what contexts might intransigence be seen as a positive trait?
In scenarios where moral principles are at stake, such as standing against unethical practices, intransigence can be viewed as a form of moral integrity.
Are there historical figures who are well-known for their adamant or intransigent stances?
Yes, figures like Winston Churchill were known for their adamant stances during critical times, while others like Neville Chamberlain were criticized for not being intransigent enough in negotiations.
What strategies can be effective when communicating with someone who is adamant?
Using clear and logical arguments, expressing understanding of their position, and gently introducing new perspectives can help in dealing with adamant individuals.
What are the long-term effects of being consistently intransigent?
It can lead to isolation, hinder personal and professional relationships, and result in a reputation for being difficult to work with.
How can one differentiate between being firm and being intransigent?
Being firm involves holding strong to one's decisions while remaining open to discussion and adjustment; intransigence, however, excludes flexibility and dialogue.
How do cultural differences influence perceptions of adamant and intransigent behaviors?
Cultural norms regarding respect, authority, and negotiation can affect how these behaviors are viewed, with some cultures valuing firmness and others valuing flexibility.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
