Word
headstrong
Phoneticshead·strong, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɛdˌstɹɔŋ/
UK/hˈɛdstɹɒŋ/
Definition
adj. having a strong will and not easily changing your mind. You use this to describe someone who is very determined, even if others think they are being stubborn.
adj. having a strong, independent will; not easily persuaded to change one's mind or course of action. Often carries a slightly negative connotation of stubbornness or recklessness.
Examples
“He is a headstrong person who never takes no for an answer.”
“Despite the warnings from his advisors, the headstrong leader decided to proceed with the risky investment.”
“The headstrong protagonist refuses to be swayed by the counsel of his elders, choosing instead to forge his own path through the treacherous landscape of the novel.”
Examples
simple
“He is a headstrong person who never takes no for an answer.”
contextual
“Despite the warnings from his advisors, the headstrong leader decided to proceed with the risky investment.”
complex
“The headstrong protagonist refuses to be swayed by the counsel of his elders, choosing instead to forge his own path through the treacherous landscape of the novel.”
Etymology
From Middle English heedstrong, equivalent to head + strong.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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