Word
diehard
US/ˈdaɪˌhɑɹd/
UK/dˈaɪhɑːd/
Countable noun
Definition
n. someone who refuses to change their mind or stop supporting something, even when it is no longer popular. You use this for people who stick to old habits or beliefs.
n. a person who remains loyal to a person, cause, or belief despite opposition or changing circumstances. Often carries a slightly negative connotation of being overly stubborn or resistant to progress.
Examples
“He is a diehard fan of the local football team.”
“Despite the new technology, the office still had a few diehards who refused to use the cloud-based software.”
“The political party struggled to modernize its image because the diehards in the legislature were determined to preserve the traditional policies that had defined the organization for decades.”
Examples
simple
“He is a diehard fan of the local football team.”
contextual
“Despite the new technology, the office still had a few diehards who refused to use the cloud-based software.”
complex
“The political party struggled to modernize its image because the diehards in the legislature were determined to preserve the traditional policies that had defined the organization for decades.”
Real-World Examples
“Ticket prices were extortionate, and diehard fans refused to fall for what they called “a scam”.” “Even diehard Democrats seem to have felt the tug.” Etymology
Deverbal from die hard.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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