steadfast
Americanadjective
-
fixed in direction; steadily directed.
a steadfast gaze.
-
firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc., as a person.
a steadfast friend.
- Synonyms:
- constant, reliable, dependable, sure
- Antonyms:
- variable, capricious
-
unwavering, as resolution, faith, adherence, etc.
-
firmly established, as an institution or a state of affairs.
- Synonyms:
- stable
-
firmly fixed in place or position.
- Synonyms:
- stable
adjective
-
(esp of a person's gaze) fixed in intensity or direction; steady
-
unwavering or determined in purpose, loyalty, etc
steadfast resolve
Related Words
Steadfast, staunch, steady imply a sureness and continuousness that may be depended upon. Steadfast literally means fixed in place, but is chiefly used figuratively to indicate undeviating constancy or resolution: steadfast in one's faith. Staunch literally means watertight, as of a vessel, and therefore strong and firm; figuratively, it is used of loyal support that will endure strain: a staunch advocate of free trade. Literally, steady is applied to that which is relatively firm in position or continuous in movement or duration: a steady flow; figuratively, it implies sober regularity or persistence: a steady worker.
Other Word Forms
- oversteadfast adjective
- steadfastly adverb
- steadfastness noun
- unsteadfast adjective
Etymology
Origin of steadfast
First recorded before 1000; Middle English stedefast, Old English stedefæst; stead, fast 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"The Palestinian people will remain steadfast, defending their land and their lives."
From BBC
“Bob, on behalf of our employees, cast members, shareholders, and fans around the world, thank you so much for your tremendous leadership, your steadfast support, and your countless contributions to The Walt Disney Co.,”
From Los Angeles Times
The Ukrainian president is the same as ever—steadfast, with a nervous system that seems fireproof and capable of withstanding anything.
The island is experiencing its worst days since the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union, Havana’s steadfast patron.
From Los Angeles Times
In Trevor’s tender drama, only mercy is as steadfast as the seasons that govern the land.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
