steadfast

adjective

stead·​fast ˈsted-ˌfast 

 also  -fəst

1

a

: firmly fixed in place : immovable

b

: not subject to change

the steadfast doctrine of original sin

—Ellen Glasgow

2

: firm in belief, determination, or adherence : loyal

her followers have remained steadfast

steadfastly adverb

steadfastness

ˈsted-ˌfas(t)-nəs 

-fəs(t)-

noun

Did you know?

Steadfast has held its ground for many centuries. Its Old English predecessor, stedefæst, combines stede (meaning "place" or "stead") and fæst (meaning "firmly fixed"). The word was first used in battle contexts to describe warriors who stood their ground, which led to its "immovable" sense. That sense gave way to the word's use as an adjective implying unswerving faith, loyalty, or devotion.

Synonyms

• constant
• dedicated
• devoted
• devout
• down-the-line
• faithful
• fast
• good
• loyal
• pious
• staunch
• stanch
• steady
• true
• true-blue

Choose the Right Synonym for steadfast

faithful, loyal, constant, staunch, steadfast, resolute mean firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance.

faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.

faithful to her promise

loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

Examples of steadfast in a Sentence

He was steadfast in his support of the governor's policies.

a steadfast supporter of women's rights

Recent Examples on the Web

His daughters, especially Courtney Force Rahal and Brittany Force, along with his wife Laurie, were steadfast in their support. —David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024

Boeing raised its wage offer twice after the strike started on Sept. 13 but has been steadfast in opposing the return of pensions. —David Koenig, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024

If production is a family, the producer is the parent who doesn’t kick their child out of the house at 18, but remains steadfast with their support and direction. —Zoe Hewitt, Variety, 24 Oct. 2024

While league commissioner Cathy Engelbert looked forward to fruitful negotiations, the players’ union leader Terri Carmichael Jackson remained steadfast on making gains for her charges. —Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stedefast, from Old English stedefæst, from stede + fæst fixed, fast

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

steadfast

adjective

stead·​fast ˈsted-ˌfast 

1

a

: firmly fixed in place

b

: not subject to change

a steadfast purpose

2

: firm in belief, determination, or allegiance

steadfast friends

steadfastly adverb

steadfastness

-ˌfas(t)-nəs 

noun