Eigensinnigkeit

stubbornness, wilfulness, pig-headedness

noun EYE-gen-zin-ikh-kite Rare

Also means

self-willed individuality

Usage Note

Eigensinnigkeit is the quality of insisting on one's own way regardless of others' wishes — a heightened form of Eigensinn. It is mostly negative but can be reclaimed positively as fierce independence of mind. Seen in literary characterisations and child psychology contexts.

Examples

"Die Eigensinnigkeit des kleinen Mädchens war für die Eltern manchmal eine Herausforderung."

Natural Translation

The stubbornness of the little girl was sometimes a challenge for the parents.

Literal Translation

The wilfulness of the small girl was for the parents sometimes a challenge.

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