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pervicacious

adjective/ˌpɜrvɪˈkeɪʃəs/

definition

stubbornly unyielding or obstinate

example

Despite numerous warnings about the consequences of his actions, his pervicacious attitude led him to ignore all advice and proceed with his decision.

synonyms
stubbornobstinateunyielding
word origin — Latin pervicax, pervicacis, from per- (through) + vincere (to conquer)

pervicacious, argillaceous, mephitic, neolithic, ichthyophagous: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 32. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. pervicacious · adjective/ˌpɜrvɪˈkeɪʃəs/

    stubbornly unyielding or obstinate

    Despite numerous warnings about the consequences of his actions, his pervicacious attitude led him to ignore all advice and proceed with his decision.

    Synonyms: stubborn, obstinate, unyielding

    Origin: Latin pervicax, pervicacis, from per- (through) + vincere (to conquer)

  2. argillaceous · adjective/ɑrˈdʒɪleɪʃəs/

    relating to or consisting of clay or clay-sized particles

    The geologist identified the argillaceous deposits as crucial indicators of ancient river systems.

    Synonyms: clayey, claylike, earthy

    Origin: from Latin 'argilla' meaning 'clay' and the suffix '-eous' meaning 'pertaining to'

  3. mephitic · adjective/mɪˈfɪtɪk/

    having a foul or noxious smell

    The mephitic odor from the abandoned factory made it impossible to breathe without covering our noses.

    Synonyms: fetid, noisome, malodorous

    Origin: from Latin 'mephiticus', meaning 'pestilential' or 'foul-smelling', derived from 'mephitis', meaning 'malodorous exhalation'

  4. neolithic · adjective/ˌniəˈlɪθɪk/

    relating to the last phase of the Stone Age characterized by the development of agriculture and the making of polished stone tools

    The discovery of neolithic tools in the region provided valuable insights into the agricultural practices of ancient civilizations.

    Synonyms: later Stone Age, agricultural, polished stone

    Origin: From the Greek 'neo' meaning 'new' and 'lithos' meaning 'stone'.

  5. ichthyophagous · adjective/ɪkˈθi.əˌfægəs/

    feeding on fish

    Many ichthyophagous species, such as pelicans and herons, play a crucial role in maintaining aquatic ecosystems.

    Synonyms: piscivorous, fish-eating

    Origin: from Greek 'ichthys' meaning 'fish' and 'phagein' meaning 'to eat'