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Meaning & use

steadfast

adjective·Academic

Last updated

UK/ˈstedfɑːst/
US/ˈstedfæst/

Meanings

  1. adjectivenot comparable

    Firmly loyal and determined, refusing to change despite difficulty or pressure.

    Grammar: Used before nouns and after be, remain, seem, or prove; degrees like more steadfast are uncommon.

    Patterns

    • steadfast support
    • remain steadfast
    • a steadfast ally

    The community gave steadfast support to the flood recovery fund.

    Under criticism, the committee remained steadfast and kept the same plan.

  2. adjectivebefore a nounliterary

    Fixed, steady, and unchanging in position, direction, or attention.

    Grammar: Often modifies gaze, purpose, light, or belief; it is a more literary use than sense 1.

    Patterns

    • a steadfast gaze
    • a steadfast purpose
    • steadfast light

    She kept a steadfast gaze on the horizon during the long crossing.

    The lighthouse cast a steadfast light through the storm.

Common combinations

steadfast support
The volunteers showed steadfast support for the neighborhood clinic.
remain steadfast
Despite threats, the journalists remained steadfast.
a steadfast refusal
His steadfast refusal to sign surprised the negotiators.
steadfast gaze
The child answered with a steadfast gaze.

Synonyms and how they differ

loyal
Emphasizes faithfulness to a person, group, or cause; steadfast adds firmness under pressure.
resolute
Emphasizes a firm decision or purpose; steadfast is broader and often relational.
unwavering
Does not weaken or turn aside; very close, but less tied to loyalty.
staunch
Strong and dependable support, often for beliefs or political causes.

Opposites

waveringfickleunfaithful

Word family

steadfastly adverb
In a firm, loyal, and unchanging way.
steadfastness noun
The quality of being firm, loyal, and dependable.

Commonly confused: steadfast or steady? steadfast or stubborn?

steadfast vs steady

Steady means regular, stable, or not shaking; steadfast stresses firm loyalty or resolution.

steadfast vs stubborn

Stubborn suggests unreasonable refusal to change; steadfast is usually positive or neutral firmness.

Practice

Choose the best word: Even after losing funding, the shelter's volunteers remained ___ in their support.

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