🔊 Pronunciation: /ˌpɜːrtɪˈnæsɪti/
(per-ti-NAS-i-tee)
🗣️ Part of Speech: Noun
Definition:
Pertinacity refers to the quality of being persistent or determined, especially when faced with difficulty or resistance.
It suggests a firm, unwavering commitment to a course of action or belief, even in the face of challenges.
This term is often used to describe someone's strong will or tenacity to achieve their goals, regardless of obstacles.
Examples:
- "Despite many setbacks, his pertinacity in pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor finally paid off."
- "Her pertinacity in advocating for the rights of the marginalized was both admirable and inspiring."
- "The team's pertinacity in the final minutes of the match secured their victory."
(Shows determination despite challenges.)
(Indicates strong perseverance in social activism.)
(Highlights relentless effort in the face of pressure.)
🧠 Bonus Tip:
The word pertinacity comes from the Latin “pertinacitas”, meaning persistence or stubbornness. It's a blend of per- (through) and tenax (holding fast), emphasizing the idea of holding firm to something through difficulty.
- Use it when you want to describe someone who is determined, stubborn, or unwavering in their efforts.
💡 Think of it like:
A dogged refusal to give up, whether it's a person persistently chasing a goal or someone refusing to let go of a belief.
Use "pertinacity" when highlighting an individual’s relentless pursuit of something, especially against odds or opposition.