The most likely meaning of the word Phoenix from the given excerpt titled "a worn path" is; Stubborn
The phoenix bird is one that symbolizes immortality, resurrection, and life after death. In the ancient Greek and Egyptian mythology, it was usually associated with the sun god.
Obstinate, dogged, stubborn, and mulish all mean that someone is unwilling to change course or give up a belief or plan.
Obstinate means an unreasonable persistence which is a negative word.
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