STEADFAST

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does steadfast mean? 

• STEADFAST (adjective)
  The adjective STEADFAST has 2 senses:

1. marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

2. firm and dependable especially in loyalty

  Familiarity information: STEADFAST used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• STEADFAST (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

Synonyms:

firm; steadfast; steady; stiff; unbendable; unfaltering; unshakable; unwavering

Context example:

unwavering loyalty

Similar:

resolute (firm in purpose or belief; characterized by firmness and determination)

Derivation:

steadfastness (steadfast resolution)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Firm and dependable especially in loyalty

Synonyms:

staunch; steadfast; unswerving

Context example:

unswerving allegiance

Similar:

constant (steadfast in purpose or devotion or affection)

Derivation:

steadfastness (loyalty in the face of trouble and difficulty)

 Context examples 

I could not eat, I could not sit still, I could not continue steadfast to anything.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

It was an earnest, steadfast gaze, but she often doubted whether there were much admiration in it, and sometimes it seemed nothing but absence of mind.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

If such a knight as Sir Oliver Buttesthorn may turn against his own prince for the sake of a light word, then where are we to look for steadfast faith and constancy?

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

"Marianne is as steadfast as ever, you see," said Elinor, "she is not at all altered."

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

She sat without movement, her eyes steadfast upon him, scarcely breathing, caught up and out of herself, he thought, by the witchery of the thing he had created.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

I wonder what other bridegroom ever looked as he did—so bent up to a purpose, so grimly resolute: or who, under such steadfast brows, ever revealed such flaming and flashing eyes.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

You have hosted Saturn on your Sun in Capricorn since December 2017 and ever since, you have been beset with challenges that you calmly met head-on with your characteristic stoic sensibility and steadfast courage.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

The children throve under the paternal rule, for accurate, steadfast John brought order and obedience into Babydom, while Meg recovered her spirits and composed her nerves by plenty of wholesome exercise, a little pleasure, and much confidential conversation with her sensible husband.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

An interval of meditation, serious and grateful, was the best corrective of everything dangerous in such high-wrought felicity; and she went to her room, and grew steadfast and fearless in the thankfulness of her enjoyment.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

All his journeys were ruggedly performed; for he was always steadfast in a purpose of saving money for Emily's sake, when she should be found.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)