Word
steadfast
Phoneticsstead·fast, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstɛdˌfæst/
UK/stˈɛdfɑːst/
Definition
adj. staying loyal and firm in your beliefs or actions, even when things get difficult. You use this to describe someone who does not change their mind or give up.
adj. firm and unwavering in purpose, loyalty, or resolve. Often used to describe personal character or commitment in the face of adversity.
Examples
“She remained a steadfast friend during my hardest years.”
“Despite the economic downturn, the company remained steadfast in its commitment to environmental sustainability.”
“The leader's steadfast refusal to compromise on core principles eventually earned the respect of even her most vocal political opponents.”
Examples
simple
“She remained a steadfast friend during my hardest years.”
contextual
“Despite the economic downturn, the company remained steadfast in its commitment to environmental sustainability.”
complex
“The leader's steadfast refusal to compromise on core principles eventually earned the respect of even her most vocal political opponents.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'remain' or 'stay'.
Real-World Examples
“Burnham told Zelenskyy during their meeting that there would be “no change in the UK’s steadfast support” for Kyiv .” “The Madrid club's steadfast refusal to sanction the 26-year-old's dream move to the Spotify Camp Nou has led to one of the most rancorous public falling-outs in recent memory.” “I also want to thank Robert for Slovakia’s coherent and steadfast support for the European Union enlargement.” Etymology
From Middle English stedefast, from Old English stedefæst, from Proto-Germanic *stadifastuz, equivalent to stead (“place; spot; position”) + fast (“firm; fixed”). Cognate with Middle Dutch stedevast (“steadfast”), Icelandic staðfestur (“steadfast”), Danish stedfast (“firmly attached, secured”), Danish stadfæste (“to confirm; ratify”), Norwegian Bokmål stadfeste (“confirm, ratify; establish”), Swedish stadfästa (“to confirm; establish”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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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QR code
englishreference.com/q/steadfast