steadfast

American  

[sted-fast, -fahst, -fuhst] / ˈstɛdˌfæst, -ˌfɑst, -fəst /

Or stedfast

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

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steadfast British  

/ 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

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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; 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.

Example Sentences

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

"His life was one of resilience, courage, and steadfast belief in justice," Ramaphosa said in a statement.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

Or standing at a farmers’ market where only three tables have braved the wind — and one of them is selling storage onions, steadfast and unapologetic.

From Salon • Mar. 1, 2026

Despite the suffragists’ steadfast effort, only a handful of states had even considered the suffrage issue on a state ballot.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

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