Diehard: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'diehard' when referring to someone who is extremely dedicated to a cause, belief, or loyalty, and resists change or new ideas. This can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying stubbornness.

• Despite all the changes, he remains a diehard fan of the team.
• She is a diehard supporter of the old policies.

Use 'persistent' when describing someone who continues to do something despite difficulty or opposition. It has a generally positive connotation, emphasizing determination and effort.

• Her persistent efforts finally paid off.
• He was persistent in asking for a promotion until he got it.

Use 'tenacious' to describe someone who is very determined and does not give up easily. This term usually has a positive connotation, highlighting strength and resilience.

• Her tenacious nature helped her overcome the challenges.
• He has a tenacious grip on his goals.

Use 'stubborn' to describe someone who refuses to change their mind or behavior despite good reasons to do so. This word often has a negative connotation, suggesting inflexibility or unreasonable obstinacy.

• He is too stubborn to admit he was wrong.
• Her stubborn refusal to compromise caused problems for the team.

Use 'unyielding' to describe someone or something that is firm and does not give in or change, often in a positive sense of strength or resilience, but it can also imply inflexibility.

• She remained unyielding in her principles despite the pressure.
• The unyielding terrain made the journey difficult.

Use this word to describe someone who is extremely dedicated to a cause, belief, or activity despite opposition or difficulties. This word can sometimes have a negative connotation, implying stubbornness.

• He’s a diehard fan of the team, never missing a game even when they lose every season.
• She's a diehard environmentalist, always participating in protests and campaigns.

This word is suitable for describing someone who has a strong interest or excitement about a particular activity or subject, often as a hobby.

• He's a car enthusiast who spends weekends at auto shows and races.
• She's a gardening enthusiast with a backyard full of various plants and flowers.

Use this word for someone who is very committed and loyal to a particular person, activity, or cause, often with a sense of personal devotion.

• She’s a yoga devotee, practicing every day without fail.
• He's a devoted follower of the author, having read all her works multiple times.

This word is used to describe someone who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about a particular subject or activity, often implying expertise and a deep appreciation.

• He’s a wine aficionado who can distinguish between hundreds of different types of grapes.
• She's a film aficionado and can discuss movies from any era in great detail.

This word is used to describe someone who is fanatically committed to a cause or belief. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting excessive zeal and intolerance towards differing views.

• He’s a political zealot, always arguing and never willing to listen to the other side.
• She's a religious zealot who refuses to associate with anyone of a different faith.