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
Etymology
Origin of steadfast
First recorded before 1000; Middle English stedefast, Old English stedefæst; see 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.
The Scottish FA had remained steadfast in refusing their place in Brazil, at which stage the English FA entered with an opportunity.
From BBC • May 7, 2026
"We remain as steadfast as ever in our resolve to defeat terrorism and destroy its enabling ecosystem," Modi said on Thursday, a year on since the launch of what India dubbed "Operation Sindoor".
From Barron's • May 7, 2026
Tucci’s endearingly steadfast Nigel is finally applauded for his years of service to Runway, and I was dismayed to find myself rolling my eyes at how corny the moment felt.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026
Corporate America remains steadfast in the belief that companies who don’t fully learn to leverage AI will get outcompeted and become obsolete.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026
“Your father wants me to be his Champion? What—don’t tell me that he’s managed to eliminate every noble soul out there! Surely there’s one chivalrous knight, one lord of steadfast heart and courage.”
From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas
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.
