steadfastness

American  

[sted-fast-nuhs, -fuhst-] / ˈstɛdˌfæst nəs, -fəst- /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• oversteadfastness noun
• unsteadfastness noun

Etymology

Origin of steadfastness

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

Example Sentences

Over the course of 18 months, Mr. Landsbergis’s courage and steadfastness to settle for nothing short of full independence set in motion something neither President George H.W.

From The Wall Street Journal

It can encompass steadfastness in the face of adversity, selflessness, self-sacrifice, honesty and integrity in one’s dealings with others.

From Los Angeles Times

Empowered by steadfastness and a shared devotion to rock ‘n’ roll — and to each other — the duo parlayed their stint with Fritz into a bona fide record contract with Polydor.

From Salon

Still, he added, “The Democratic Party will maintain the steadfastness of the U.S.-South Korea alliance. We will make it stronger.”

From Los Angeles Times

The team behind “American Idol” frames the show’s steadfastness as a selling point in an era of digital overload and cultural upheaval.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• constancy
• faithfulness