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

Marlborough had formerly made himself conspicuous by the keenness and pertinacity with which he had attacked the Dutch.

From Project Gutenberg

And he kept it up all through the long vacation with a pertinacity I should never have given him credit for.

From Project Gutenberg

The former still adhered, with fixed pertinacity of purpose, to the matrimonial arrangement which he had made with his son.

From Project Gutenberg

She, it may be remembered, sought for the precious remains with true pertinacity till she found them.

From Project Gutenberg

Their courage and pertinacity are unconquerable, and are often sublimed into the most inconceivable rage and fury.

From Project Gutenberg