steadfastness

[sted-fast-nuhs, -fuhst-]

noun

1. firmness in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc..

   There can be no doubt about the courage and steadfastness with which these three martyrs faced trial and death.

2. the fact or quality of being fixed or steady in direction or position.

   The lift of her chin, the cadence of her words, the steadfastness of her gaze—all denote the strength and grace of a matriarch.

3. the fact or quality of being firmly established, as an institution or state of affairs.

   The conduct of the elections during this national disaster was a testament to the steadfastness of our democracy.

Other Word Forms

• oversteadfastness noun
• unsteadfastness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of steadfastness¹

steadfast ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Related Words

• constancy 
• faithfulness