Did a manager at work tell you you're 'headstrong' and need to consider other people's input in projects?
This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression 'headstrong' refers to a state of consciousness where a person has a high degree of confidence and conviction in their beliefs and decisions. They refuse to accept input from others, believing that they have the right solution and need to see it through to the end.
Headstrong is different from 'stubborn.' A headstrong person usually gets things done, despite their inability to accept other people's opinions. A stubborn person refuses to see the error in their ways, even when evidence shows them their mistake.
If you're 'headstrong,' you're convinced that you have the right solution and want to continue with your course of direction, despite other people attempting to intervene. Being headstrong can describe a person possessing inherent characteristics and qualities of an unwavering or unrelenting ideology.
Headstrong refers to a person with a facade of toughness but easily coerced into emotional outbursts.
Example Usage
"I just can't get through to her. She's too headstrong and won't listen to me. Maybe you can talk some sense into her before she makes a big mistake."
"Being headstrong is a blessing and a curse. It gives you the conviction to see your ideas through to completion. But it also narrows your focus, preventing you from taking on different ideas."
"We're dealing with a headstrong individual. While they sometimes listen to what others say, you have to approach them in a way that resonates with their values system."
"I can't deal with you. You're headstrong and ignorant of what's going on around you. I'm going home. See you around."
"We can't do anything with this manager breathing down our necks. He's headstrong and won't listen to any feedback we give him on the project."
"Sophie is a good girl at school but very headstrong. She doesn't like it when the other kids try to interrupt her plans, and you can see she enjoys being in control."
Origin
The expression ‘headstrong’ originates from Old English circa 1600. The Old English word ‘heafodbald’ means ‘impudent’ or ‘head-bold.’ The term ‘strong-headed’ appeared in the 1600s but faded out as ‘headstrong’ became the more popular variant of the term.
The closest rendition to the modern term ‘headstrong’ comes from Middle English in the late 1600s, where it appears as ‘heedstrong.’ Language experts cannot pinpoint when the modern term ‘headstrong’ entered the English lexicon or who coined the term.
Phrases Similar to Headstrong
- Weak-minded.
- Easily persuaded.
Phrases Opposite to Headstrong
- Weak-minded.
- Easily persuaded.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Headstrong.
Ways People May Say Headstrong Incorrectly
The phrase ‘headstrong’ doesn’t refer to having a strong head. It means that someone is firm in their convictions and cannot be swayed from their course of action.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Headstrong
You can use the phrase ‘headstrong’ to describe someone stubborn and pig-headed or with confidence or conviction in their decision-making. The term suits social and professional use. You could say that your son is too headstrong, which will get him in trouble with teachers at school.
You could say your manager is headstrong. He makes bad decisions based on emotions and doesn’t take any input from other people. You can use ‘headstrong’ in text communications and verbal exchanges. A headstrong person is different from someone stubborn, but they display many of the same characteristics and behaviors.