steadfast

Or sted·fast

[sted-fast, -fahst, -fuhst]

adjective

1. fixed in direction; steadily directed.

   a steadfast gaze.

2. firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc., as a person.

   a steadfast friend.

   Synonyms: constant, reliable, dependable, sure
   Antonyms: variable, capricious

3. unwavering, as resolution, faith, adherence, etc.

4. firmly established, as an institution or a state of affairs.

   Synonyms: stable

5. firmly fixed in place or position.

   Synonyms: stable

steadfast

/ ˈstɛdfəst, -ˌfɑːst /

adjective

1. (esp of a person's gaze) fixed in intensity or direction; steady

2. unwavering or determined in purpose, loyalty, etc

   steadfast resolve

Other Word Forms

• steadfastly adverb
• steadfastness noun
• oversteadfast adjective
• unsteadfast adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of steadfast¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English stedefast, Old English stedefæst; stead, fast ¹

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

Sable, however, said it remains steadfast in its goal of reactivating the Santa Ynez Unit — a complex of three offshore platforms, onshore processing facilities and connecting pipelines.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Vatican remains steadfast in its fundamental teachings, even as Leo brings an entirely new atmosphere to the church with events like the first hip-hop performance at the Vatican.

Read more on Salon

Quiet by nature and “very particular” in temperament, as Wolfe described him this winter, Sasaki tried to keep a steadfast routine.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But one thing remains steadfast - the determination of a grieving family to uncover the truth.

Read more on BBC

Powell, a steadfast Texas Longhorn fan, teased him: “The fact that Alabama beat you guys at home before Texas could beat you guys at home just really bummed me out.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abiding 
• adamant 
• ardent 
• dedicated 
• faithful 
• inflexible 
• intense 
• relentless 
• resolute 
• rigid 
• single-minded 
• staunch 
• stubborn 
• true 
• unflinching 
• unqualified 
• unswerving 
• unwavering 
• unyielding