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
Explanation
Someone who is firm and determined in a belief or a position can be called steadfast in that view, like your mom when she thinks you really shouldn’t wear that outfit. The word steadfast traces back to the Old English word stedefæst, a combination of stede, meaning "place," and fæst, meaning "firmly fixed." Picture a steadfast person standing firmly in place, not wavering or budging an inch, and you’ll have a good sense of what this word means. Someone can be steadfast in a belief, an effort, a plan, or even a refusal. Whatever it is, it means that the person will calmly hold firm to the chosen position and follow through with determination.
Vocabulary lists containing steadfast
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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.
He was steadfast that all he was doing was helping, that the objections were cosmetic, and overblown.
From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026
In Trevor’s tender drama, only mercy is as steadfast as the seasons that govern the land.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026
Brook was also steadfast in his defence of McCullum on Thursday night, saying the former New Zealand captain was "125%" the man to continue.
From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026
There are a few glimmers of Moriarty’s future sensibility, although for the most part Sherlock and Moriarty remain steadfast pals.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026
“A simple task,” began the Humbug, suddenly wishing he were somewhere else, “for a brave lad with a stout heart, a steadfast dog, and a serviceable small automobile.”
From "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster
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.
