granite

noun

gran·​ite ˈgra-nət 

1

: a very hard natural igneous rock formation of visibly crystalline texture formed essentially of quartz and orthoclase or microcline and used especially for building and for monuments

2

: unyielding firmness or endurance

the cold granite of Puritan formalism

—V. L. Parrington

granitelike

ˈgra-nət-ˌlīk 

adjective

granitic

gra-ˈni-tik 

adjective

granitoid

ˈgra-nə-ˌtȯid 

adjective

Synonyms

• decidedness
• decision
• decisiveness
• determination
• determinedness
• firmness
• purposefulness
• resoluteness
• resolution
• resolve
• stick-to-itiveness

Examples of granite in a Sentence

had the granite to see the project out to the end

Recent Examples on the Web

Mountaineering The greater Stockholm area is an urban rock climber’s playground, with granite crags everywhere — including Kanalklippan, a blasted rock face along the Danvik canal in the city center. —Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 26 Jan. 2025

Use our guide to learn how to clean your granite countertops, from the everyday crumbs and debris to the longer-lasting stains. —Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Jan. 2025

In the summer, lines for The Metropolitan Museum of Art stretch down the grand staircase and past the granite fountains. —Ellen Carpenter, AFAR Media, 24 Jan. 2025

Hardwood floors continue into the kitchen, which has granite countertops and new stainless steel appliances. —Angela Serratore, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian granito, from past participle of granire to granulate, from grano grain, from Latin granum

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

granite

noun

gran·​ite ˈgran-ət 

1

: a very hard rock that can be polished and is used in buildings and monuments

2

: unyielding firmness (as of character, will, or opinion)