pertinacity

[ pur-tn-as-i-tee ]

noun

1. the quality of being pertinacious; persistence.

   Synonyms: firmness, resolution, determination

Word History and Origins

Origin of pertinacity¹

First recorded in 1495–1505; from Late Latin pertinācitās, for Latin pertinācia “stubbornness, perseverance” (from obsolete pertinacy ), equivalent to pertināci- (stem of pertināx ) “steadfast, stubborn” + -tās noun suffix ( -ty ² ). See per-, tenacity

Synonym Study

See perseverance.

Example Sentences

But in the end Buck’s pertinacity was rewarded; for the wolf, finding that no harm was intended, finally sniffed noses with him.

From Literature

In many ways, he was like a north star, his effervescent personality and endearing pertinacity emitting a guiding light through the sport’s most transitional times.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Trump made it clear that the Supreme Court decision would not slow a post-campaign campaign, the futility of which has dampened neither its ferocity nor its pertinacity.

From New York Times

Well-practiced in the art of pertinacity, he shrugs at the memory of his demotion, writing it off as another lesson from which to learn.

From Los Angeles Times

While this pertinacity draws its share of detracts, it also helped the Englishman force his way into a favorable -- and likely, proper -- ruling at the PGA Championship.

From Golf Digest