Is there a difference between headstrong and stubborn?

Question

It seems like people get more respect when they say "I'm headstrong" as opposed to those who say "I'm stubborn" Aren't they the same thing though?

Answer 1

I Think people say headstrong to say the person is stubborn but in a good way, like that person won't do something because of a good reason. But, people say stubborn its meant to be a bad thing. To tell the truth I'm also kinda unsure.

Answer 2

techinically they are the same thing but with society's connotation of the two words, headstrong is more of a positive thing while stubborn is just a negative thing.

Answer 3

headstrong - Habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition

stubborn - Tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield

some difference there.

Answer 4

yeah. except headstrong just means.. you have the attitude where you think you can carry the world. bring it on. you can take on anything and you'll go get it. what you say is what you say and that settles it. and stubborn means when you absolutely refuse to do something and are sticking to what you think.

you can be headstrong when your stubborn.. I dont know how to explain it.. lol

Answer 5

According to Webster's:

Headstrong means "determined to do as one pleases."

Stubborn means 1) refusing t yield or comply; obstinate 2) done in an obstinate or persistent way or 3) hard to handle or deal with.

So there are minor differences between the two.

Answer 6

I would say headstrong is more like determined...stubborn is like just disagreeable and difficult

Answer 7

yeah

but only one

headstrong is a nicer way to say stubborn

the word stubborn

is associated with being prideful, ignorant soemtiems and quite arrogant

its all negative associations

no-one respects soemone whos ignorant, arrogant and wont change their ways

where as headstrong

the word head= mind, =i think about what i m saying

and the word strong = a very positive sounding word alone

makes them seem and feel sure, appear to be 'stronger' more dominant, so you should listen etc etc

this is why respect is given

all positive

so in all, the word headstrong is perceived to be a positive attribute whereas stubborn is negative

they dont realise that its exactly the same thing, because of the sociological associations and meanings behind the words and the word

so your spot on, they are indeed the same thing

but they will never realsie that