intransigeance
Wordform Details
Translation: intransigenceinflexibilityrigidity
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
femininesingularIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: intransigeance
Translation: intransigence; inflexibility; rigidity; uncompromising attitude; stubbornness (noun)
Etymology: Derived from the French adjective 'intransigeant' (uncompromising), which comes from the Spanish 'intransigente', formed from the Latin prefix 'in-' (not) and 'transigere' (to come to an agreement). The Latin 'transigere' combines 'trans-' (across) and 'agere' (to drive, lead, act). The English cognate 'intransigence' follows the same etymology. The word emerged in political contexts in the late 19th century to describe those unwilling to compromise on principles.
Example Usage
Son intransigeance dans les négociations a empêché tout accord.
His intransigence in the negotiations prevented any agreement.
L'intransigeance du gouvernement face aux manifestants a aggravé la crise.
The government's inflexibility toward the protesters worsened the crisis.
Elle est connue pour son intransigeance sur les questions d'éthique.
She is known for her uncompromising attitude on ethical issues.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'in-transit-geance' as someone who won't 'transit' or move from their position
- Remember 'no transaction' - someone who is intransigent won't 'transact' or negotiate
- Similar to English 'intransigence' with French pronunciation
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Often used in political and diplomatic contexts in French discourse. The concept has historical significance in French politics, where parties or individuals who refused to compromise on principles were labeled 'intransigeants'. In modern usage, it can have both negative connotations (suggesting unreasonableness) and positive ones (suggesting principled firmness).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Intransigeance' is the noun (intransigence) while 'intransigeant' is the adjective (intransigent) or can be used as a noun to describe an intransigent person.
Notes: Both words are from the same root and represent the same concept, just in different grammatical forms.
Mnemonic: '-ance' endings in French typically form nouns, while '-ant' endings often form adjectives.
Explanation: 'Intransigeante' is the feminine form of the adjective 'intransigeant', while 'intransigeance' is the noun form that has no gender variation.
Notes: The noun 'intransigeance' is always feminine in French, regardless of who is showing the intransigence.
Mnemonic: Nouns ending in '-ance' don't change for gender, while adjectives like 'intransigeant/e' do.