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," and fæst, meaning "fixed." Steadfast was first used in battle contexts to describe warriors who literally stood their ground, which led to its "immovable" sense, as when Sinclair Lewis wrote of "a castle, steadfast among storms." (The word was also once used to describe steady hands, as well as substances that keep their solid, firm state.) These senses were soon joined by one applied to people's character, implying unswerving faith, loyalty, or devotion; arriving in the 12th century, this meaning has remained steady in the English language ever since.

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

Despite his impressive achievements, Hight remains steadfast in his decision to focus on his health. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

With government funding set to lapse at the end of the week, Johnson was steadfast that the House must abide by a 72-hour rule, where the clock starts to tee up a vote once bill text is released. —John Parkinson, ABC News, 17 Dec. 2024

Grennan, meanwhile, has been steadfast in his campaign for No. 1 this week. —Sophie Williams, Billboard, 17 Dec. 2024

As my term as mayor concludes, my dedication to Saratoga remains steadfast. —Yan Zhao, The Mercury News, 15 Dec. 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

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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