Word
steadfastly
Phoneticsstead·fast·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstɛdˌfæstɫi/
UK/stˈɛdfɑːstli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is firm and does not change. You use this to describe someone who stays loyal or keeps their opinion even when things get difficult.
adv. in a resolute, unwavering, or loyal manner. Characterised by a firm refusal to change one's position, beliefs, or course of action despite pressure or opposition.
Examples
“She steadfastly refused to change her mind.”
“Despite the intense criticism from the media, the minister steadfastly defended the new policy during the press conference.”
“Throughout the long years of exile, the community steadfastly maintained their cultural traditions, ensuring that their unique heritage was passed down to the next generation.”
Examples
simple
“She steadfastly refused to change her mind.”
contextual
“Despite the intense criticism from the media, the minister steadfastly defended the new policy during the press conference.”
complex
“Throughout the long years of exile, the community steadfastly maintained their cultural traditions, ensuring that their unique heritage was passed down to the next generation.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “steadfastly” in context.
Verb
01. adhere to
“The organization steadfastly adheres to its founding principles of transparency.”
adv + verb + prep
02. deny
“The politician has steadfastly denied all allegations of corruption.”
adv + verb
03. maintain
“He steadfastly maintained his innocence throughout the entire trial.”
adv + verb
04. refuse
“The witness steadfastly refused to answer any questions regarding his associates.”
adv + verb
05. resist
“The local community steadfastly resisted the development of the new highway.”
adv + verb
06. support
“She has steadfastly supported the charity despite the recent controversy.”
adv + verb
07. remain steadfastly loyal to
“The fans remained steadfastly loyal to the team even during the losing streak.”
08. steadfastly ignore the critics
“The director steadfastly ignored the critics and continued with his vision.”
09. steadfastly refuse to budge
“Negotiators steadfastly refused to budge on the issue of wage increases.”
Usage
Typically placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of a verb phrase.
Real-World Examples
“He steadfastly professed his innocence, calling the allegations against him “lies”, and his attorneys asked for the charges against him to be dismissed.” “Despite the opposition, Rama has steadfastly refused to back down, defending the project as a “gift” that will boost the economy and provide badly needed jobs by transforming Albania into a high-end tourist destination.” “A minor league team in Spokane, Wash., has steadfastly stood by its nickname with the support of the local Native American community.” “In its statement, J&J said it "remains steadfastly confident in the safety of talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder," citing "decades of scientific studies.” Etymology
Inherited from Middle English stedefastly, stedefastliche; equivalent to steadfast + -ly.
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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