pertinacious
stubbornly persistent or holding firmly
Roots
- -acious: trait-marking adjective ending
- per-: through, thoroughly, or completely
- ten / tain: hold or keep
Other words with the ten / tain root
- abstain: to hold back from doing or taking something
- contain: to hold inside
- content: satisfied; also something held inside
- contented: satisfied or at peace
- detain: to hold back
- discontent: dissatisfaction or unrest
- impertinent: rude or not properly relevant
- malcontent: dissatisfied person, often rebellious or resentful
Pertinacious is tenacious with extra force: holding to a purpose or opinion and refusing to let go.
Her pertinacious focus kept the project alive after easier plans failed.
Pertinacious is close to tenacious, but it often sounds more stubborn or unyielding. Keep the hold image: the mind will not let go.