Steadfastness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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steadfastness

[ˈstɛdfəstnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

showing loyalty and commitment

The quality of being steadfast; firmness of purpose or resolution; unwavering loyalty and commitment.

Synonyms

commitment, dedication, devotion, loyalty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
steadfastness	Situations demanding unwavering firmness and reliability, especially in the face of difficulties. Her steadfastness in fighting for human rights is admirable Despite numerous challenges, his steadfastness never wavered
loyalty	Best used when speaking about faithfulness and allegiance to a person, organization, or cause, especially over a long period. Her loyalty to her friends is unshakeable They rewarded his loyalty with a promotion
commitment	Used when referring to a strong sense of duty or obligation to an action, cause, or course of action. He shows great commitment to his work They have a strong commitment to improving their community
dedication	Appropriate when emphasizing the act of giving time and effort towards a particular goal or task. Her dedication to her studies earned her top grades The team's dedication is evident in their continuous hard work
devotion	Often used to describe profound love, loyalty, and enthusiasm for someone or something. His devotion to his family is commendable She shows great devotion to her religious practices

Examples of usage

He showed great steadfastness in his support for the cause.
Her steadfastness in the face of adversity inspired others to stay strong.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

persisting despite difficulties

The quality of being steadfast; persistence or determination in the face of difficulties or obstacles.

Synonyms

determination, perseverance, persistence, tenacity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
steadfastness	Best used to describe someone who remains firm and unwavering in their beliefs, ideals, or position, often despite challenges or difficulties. Her steadfastness in her principles earned her great respect The captain's steadfastness kept the crew calm during the storm
persistence	Best for describing continuous and repetitive effort to achieve something, even when it involves many setbacks. Can have a slightly negative connotation if perceived as too stubborn. His persistence finally paid off when he got the promotion Despite multiple rejections, her persistence in applying for the job showed her commitment
determination	This is used to highlight someone's strong will and resolve to achieve a goal or overcome an obstacle, regardless of how difficult it may be. His determination to succeed was evident in his long hours of study She approached every challenge with determination and confidence
perseverance	This word is ideal for situations that involve continued effort and patience over a long period of time, especially in the face of difficulties or failures. Through perseverance, he was able to complete the marathon Her perseverance in research led to groundbreaking discoveries
tenacity	Tenacity highlights a person's firmness of purpose and ability to grip firmly, not easily letting go or giving up, often admired for its strength. Her tenacity in dealing with complex problems made her a valuable team member The dog's tenacity in searching for its owner impressed everyone

Examples of usage

His steadfastness in pursuing his dreams despite setbacks was admirable.
The team demonstrated remarkable steadfastness in completing the project on time.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

Throughout history, steadfastness was a revered quality in leaders, seen as critical for maintaining morale during difficult times.
During the American Revolution, many prominent figures were admired for their steadfastness, as it inspired others to join the cause.
Steadfastness played a key role in various religious movements, where leaders encouraged followers to remain faithful against adversity.

Psychology

Studies show that individuals who demonstrate steadfastness are often more resilient and can handle stress better.
Being steadfast can lead to greater life satisfaction, as it promotes a sense of purpose and commitment.
Psychological research suggests that those who practice steadfastness are typically better equipped to achieve long-term goals.

Literature

Literature often depicts steadfast characters as heroes who overcome hardships, symbolizing hope and determination.
In many classic novels, protagonists who exhibit steadfastness are celebrated for their unwavering principles.
Quotes about steadfastness appear in works from Shakespeare to modern authors, emphasizing its timeless importance.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, steadfastness is associated with virtues like loyalty, honor, and integrity, often celebrated in folklore.
Various religions teach the importance of steadfastness in faith, encouraging followers to remain resolute through trials.
Cultural stories often highlight individuals whose steadfastness transformed communities, showcasing its impact and worth.

Origin of 'steadfastness'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English 'stǣdfæst', where 'stǣd' means place and 'fæst' means firm.
It has roots in Germanic languages, echoing the idea of being securely fixed or unmovable.
The term has evolved over centuries, still emphasizing loyalty and resoluteness.

The word 'steadfastness' originated from the Middle English term 'stedefastnesse', which was derived from the Old English word 'stedefæstnes'. The prefix 'stede' means 'place' or 'position', while 'fæstnes' refers to 'firmness' or 'steadiness'. Over time, 'steadfastness' came to represent the quality of being unwavering and loyal in one's commitments and beliefs.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,618, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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