Question

as the storm approached, the old-timers reminded one another that theyd ridden out many hurricanes before. once again, when the evacuation orders came out, they obdurately refused to leave.

what does the word \obdurately\ mean in this context? use these dictionary entries to answer the question:

ob- (prefix) completely
dur (root) hard, strong

nervously
quietly
foolishly
stubbornly

Explanation:

Analyze word parts

Using the Prefixes and Roots knowledge point:

• Prefix ob- means "completely".
• Root dur means "hard, strong".
• Combining these, the word parts suggest a state of being "completely hard" or unyielding.

Analyze context clues

Using the Context Clues and Vocabulary in Context knowledge points:

• The sentence describes "old-timers" who "reminded one another that they'd ridden out many hurricanes before."
• When evacuation orders came, they "obdurately refused to leave."
• Refusing to leave despite official orders and an approaching storm, because they believe they can survive based on past experience, shows an unyielding, inflexible, or headstrong attitude.

Evaluate answer choices

Using the Vocabulary in Context knowledge point:

• "nervously": Incorrect. Their refusal is based on confidence from past experience, not fear.
• "quietly": Incorrect. The text does not focus on the volume or manner of their refusal, but their persistence.
• "foolishly": Incorrect. While some might view their refusal as foolish, the word parts ("completely hard/strong") specifically denote inflexibility rather than a lack of wisdom.
• "stubbornly": Correct. Being "completely hard/strong" in one's stance or refusal directly aligns with being stubborn or unyielding.

Answer:

• (A) nervously
• (B) quietly
• (C) foolishly
• (D) stubbornly (Correct answer)