adamant

[ ad-uh-muhnt, -mant ]

adjective

1. utterly unyielding in attitude or opinion in spite of all appeals, urgings, etc.

   Synonyms: uncompromising, rigid, inflexible

   Antonyms: yielding, easygoing, flexible

2. too hard to cut, break, or pierce.

noun

1. any impenetrably or unyieldingly hard substance.
2. a legendary stone of impenetrable hardness, formerly sometimes identified with the diamond.

adamant

/ ˈædəmənt /

adjective

1. unshakable in purpose, determination, or opinion; unyielding
2. a less common word for adamantine

noun

1. any extremely hard or apparently unbreakable substance
2. a legendary stone said to be impenetrable, often identified with the diamond or loadstone

Derived Forms

• ˈadamantly, adverb

Other Words From

• ad·a·man·cy [ad, -, uh, -m, uh, n-see], ad·a·mance noun
• ad·a·mant·ly adverb
• un·ad·a·mant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of adamant¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English, from Old French adamaunt, from Latin adamant- (stem of adamas ) “hard metal (perhaps steel), diamond,” from Greek, equivalent to a- a- ⁶ + -damant- verbal adjective of damân “to tame, conquer”; replacing Old English athamans (from Medieval Latin ) and Middle English aymont, from Middle French aimant, from unattested Vulgar Latin adimant-, from Latin

Word History and Origins

Origin of adamant¹

Old English: from Latin adamant-, stem of adamas, from Greek; literal meaning perhaps: unconquerable, from a- ¹+ daman to tame, conquer

Example Sentences

But Ms Gray is adamant it was her decision, we are told, and she never spoke directly to the prime minister about it.

From BBC

Mr Hutton said scenarios where parents were "absolutely adamant that their child is right even when evidence is put to them" were now more common.

From BBC

The Delaware native began her gender transition at 21, but was adamant that her identity would not prevent her from pursuing a career in politics, NBC reported.

From Salon

The company is adamant these kinds of concerns are without foundation.

From BBC

“But he was adamant that his own personal mission wasn’t completed and when he was fit to return to the fight he would; consequently he did.”

From BBC

Related Words

• determined
• insistent
• intransigent
• resolute
• rigid
• stubborn
• uncompromising