# granite

/ˈɡɹænət/ (US) · /ɡɹˈænɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/granite
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the rock

noun · CEFR B2

a very hard, natural rock that is often grey, pink, or white and is used in buildings and for kitchen counters.

For teachers: a common, coarse-grained igneous rock consisting essentially of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Uncountable when referring to the material; countable when referring to specific geological types.

- The new kitchen has beautiful grey granite countertops that are very easy to clean.
- The cathedral was constructed from local granite, ensuring the structure could withstand centuries of harsh coastal weather without significant erosion.

### 2. toughness

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a quality of being very strong, firm, or tough in character.

For teachers: unyielding firmness or endurance; a figurative extension of the rock's physical properties to human character or resolve.

- Behind his kind smile was a heart of granite that never gave up.
- The negotiator's outward politeness masked a will of granite, making it impossible for the opposing side to secure any meaningful concessions.

## Examples

- The kitchen counters are made of polished gray granite.
- The monument was carved from a single block of local granite to ensure it would last for centuries.
- Geologists study the crystalline structure of granite to understand the cooling rates of magma deep within the Earth's crust during ancient volcanic periods.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.