Question

what is the meaning of the word obdurately as used in the passage? despite the mountain of opposing evidence, brian stubbornly refused to change his opinion on the virtues—or lack thereof—of getting eight hours of sleep every night. he obdurately insisted that his brain was more alert with only five hours of sleep and that more sleep simply made him feel lazy. passionately unyieldingly gently but firmly

Explanation:

The context shows Brian is stubborn and un - willing to change his opinion despite contrary evidence. "Obdurately" means in a stubborn, unyielding way. "Unyieldingly" has a similar meaning. "Passionately" implies strong emotion rather than stubbornness, and "gently but firmly" doesn't convey the sense of stubbornness as well.

Answer:

B. unyieldingly