obedient, tolerant, stubborn, strict, overprotective: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 61. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. obedient · adjective/əˈbidiənt/

   complying with the rules and instructions of an authority figure

   Even though they were siblings, one was naturally more obedient, while the other was more independent and often challenged their parents' authority.

   Synonyms: respectful, compliant

   Origin: Middle English: via Old French from Latin oboedient- ‘obeying’, from the verb oboedire (see obey)

2. tolerant · adjective/ˈtɑl(ə)rənt/

   showing respect for the rights, opinions or practices of others

   Siblings have to be tolerant of one another no matter how different their perspectives on life are.

   Synonyms: lenient, sympathetic, permissive

   Origin: late 18th century: from French tolérant, present participle of tolérer, from Latin tolerare (see tolerate). Compare with earlier intolerant

3. stubborn · adjective/ˈstəbərn/

   unwilling to change your mind or behavior

   He can be as stubborn as his sister when it comes to sharing his toys.

   Synonyms: determined, inflexible

   Origin: Middle English (originally in the sense ‘untameable, implacable’): of unknown origin

4. strict · adjective/strɪk(t)/

   demanding that rules or standards be followed closely

   Strict parents tend to control every aspect of their children's lives and they think that it is the right way to raise a child.

   Synonyms: authoritarian, firm, rigid

   Origin: late Middle English (in the sense ‘restricted in space or extent’): from Latin strictus, past participle of stringere ‘tighten, draw tight’

5. overprotective · adjective/ˌoʊvərprəˈtɛktɪv/

   excessively protective

   Overprotective parenting is believed to create a generation of young people who are not able to cope with difficulties in life.

   Synonyms: shielding, vigilant