Wrongheaded

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Stubbornly adhering to incorrect or misguided ideas despite evidence or reason to the contrary
2. Having a persistent belief in flawed or irrational arguments, often clinging to notions that are demonstrably incorrect or ill-conceived
3. Characterized by a failure to recognize or accept logical truths, resulting in a rigid endorsement of misguided principles or viewpoints

Etymology: "Wrongheaded" is a plain compound of "wrong" and "headed," with "headed" used in the old sense of having a particular kind of head, meaning a mind or disposition. Someone who is wrongheaded has a mind that is set the wrong way, and the word has long carried the idea of stubbornness as well as error: a person who holds a mistaken view and refuses to let go of it. The "-headed" element follows a familiar English pattern, as in "hardheaded" or "level-headed," where the head stands for the seat of judgment and temperament. "Wrong" here is the ordinary adjective meaning mistaken or incorrect, so the compound combines a faulty judgment with an obstinate mind.

Synonyms: misguided, foolish, ill-advised, irrational, unreasonable

Antonyms: wise, sensible, rational, prudent, logical