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

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said in a statement that the handover "reflects Hamas's steadfast commitment to fully complete the exchange process and its ongoing efforts to finalise it despite significant difficulties."

Read more on Barron's

Angelica, the more accomplished and sociable of the two sisters, and Eliza, loving and steadfast, had six adult siblings and were descended from a large, prosperous New York family of Dutch origin.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They both knew the oath of a sailor—and of a Harley-Dickinson, no less, steadfast, loyal, and true!—would not be easily broken.

Read more on Literature

But as transparency demands mount on multiple fronts, he is increasingly seen as closing ranks, often defending the very systems he once railed against and unsettling his previously steadfast base of supporters.

Read more on Salon

“I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize Charlie Kirk as an American patriot and a steadfast champion for freedom of speech,” she said.

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