ostinarsi

Ostinarsi is a Italian verb meaning to persist stubbornly in doing something or to insist in a way that ignores difficulties or opposition. The term derives from the noun ostinazione (obstinacy) and is used to describe a forceful persistence that may be viewed negatively or critically, though it can be neutral or even ironic in some contexts.

The verb is pronominal and commonly used with reflexive pronouns (mi, ti, si, ci, vi, si). It typically appears with the preposition a or nel to introduce the action: ostinarsi a fare qualcosa or ostinarsi nel fare qualcosa. The nuance emphasizes not giving up despite obstacles, rather than simply insisting.

In usage, ostinarsi often conveys a judgment about the stubbornness of the subject. It can express perseverance in a positive sense, such as a determination to complete a project, or a negative sense, such as clinging to a mistaken belief. It is frequently paired with verbs in the infinitive and appears in both spoken and written Italian.

Examples:

- Nonostante le difficoltà, si è ostinato a portare avanti il progetto.

- Lei si è ostinata nel credere alle promesse non mantenute.

- Ostinarsi a negare l’evidenza può essere dannoso per l’organizzazione.

See also: ostinazione, ostinato, insistere, testardaggine.

Ostinarsi remains a common, versatile verb in Italian, useful for describing stubborn persistence in personal, professional, or social contexts.

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