steadfast
STED-fast
/ˈstɛdfæst/
Resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.
Strongly associated with loyalty, duty, and moral character. It implies a conscious decision to remain loyal or committed.
The story behind the word. The word literally means 'fast in place.' In Old English, 'stede' meant a place or position (which is where we get the word 'instead'—in the place of). To be steadfast was to be 'fixed in your place,' unable to be moved by fear or persuasion.
Word relationships
- unwavering: Unwavering focuses on the lack of hesitation; steadfast focuses on the firmness of the position.
- resolute: Resolute implies having made a firm decision to do something.
- capricious: Capricious describes someone who changes their mind or mood suddenly and for no reason.
- vacillating: Vacillating describes someone who wavers between different opinions or actions.
Commonly confused with
- constant: Constant can mean 'happening all the time,' while steadfast specifically means 'firm in purpose or loyalty.'
Word family
- steadfastly (adverb): In a resolute and unwavering manner.
- steadfastness (noun): The quality of being steadfast.
Collocations
- steadfast loyalty
- steadfast support
- steadfast belief
- remain steadfast
Example sentences
- "He remained a steadfast friend, staying by her side even when everyone else had turned away." Loyalty
- "We must remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, no matter how long the journey may take." Speeches
Memory hook
Think of a 'steady' person who is 'fastened' to their beliefs. Steadfast = Fastened in place.
When not to use
Don't use it for physical durability; a brick wall isn't 'steadfast,' but the soldier guarding it might be.
Fun facts
- In nautical terms, 'steady as she goes' is a command to a helmsman to keep the ship on its current heading, a form of being steadfast.
- The word 'fast' in 'steadfast' uses the older meaning of 'firm' or 'fixed,' which is also seen in 'fasten' and 'hold fast.'
Explore more words
resolute, steady, dauntless, diligent, Unyielding, purposeful
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