First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
steadfast
adjective stead·fast \ˈsted-ˌfast also -fəst\
: very devoted or loyal to a person, belief, or cause : not changing
Full Definition of STEADFAST
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>
— stead·fast·ly adverb
— stead·fast·ness \-ˌfas(t)-nəs, -fəs(t)-\ noun
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Origin of STEADFAST
Middle English stedefast, from Old English stedefæst, from stede + fæst fixed, fast
Related to STEADFAST
- Synonyms
- constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, fast, good, loyal, pious, staunch (also stanch), faithful, steady, true, true-blue
- Antonyms
- disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
Rhymes with STEADFAST
aghast, at last, avast, bedfast, Belfast, bombast, broadcast, bypast, contrast, dicast, dismast, downcast, dynast, fantast, flypast, forecast, foremast, forepassed, full blast, gymnast, half-caste, half-mast, handfast, holdfast, lightfast, mainmast, makefast, march-past, miscast, newscast, oblast, offcast, outcast, outcaste, precast, recast, repast, roughcast, sandblast, sand-cast, shamefast, sportscast, topmast, trade-last, typecast, upcast, webcast, windblast
STEADFASTLY Defined for Kids
steadfast
adjective stead·fast \ˈsted-ˌfast\
Definition of STEADFAST for Kids
1
: not changing : resolute <a steadfast refusal>
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