steadfastness

C2+ Topic:Abstract Ideas

US /ˈstɛdˌfæstnəs/ UK /ˈstɛdˌfɑːstnəs/ See IPA manual

Meanings

1

noun
firm and unwavering loyalty, resolve, or constancy

Her steadfastness through the crisis inspired the whole team.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 noun · firm and unwavering... resolve constancy fidelity loyalty firmness determination tenacity

Opposites

inconstancy fickleness irresolution wavering

Word family

Related forms steadfast stead

Etymology

From 'steadfast' (Old English 'stedefæst', firm in place) plus the native noun-forming suffix '-ness'.

stedefæst Old English

View etymology graph ->

Topics

Abstract Ideas Word Formation & Derivatives

External links

# steadfastness

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C2+
**Part of speech:** noun
**IPA (US):** /ˈstɛdˌfæstnəs/
**IPA (UK):** /ˈstɛdˌfɑːstnəs/

## Meanings
1. firm and unwavering loyalty, resolve, or constancy

## Examples
- Her steadfastness through the crisis inspired the whole team.

## Synonyms
- resolve
- constancy
- fidelity
- loyalty
- firmness
- determination
- tenacity

## Antonyms
- inconstancy
- fickleness
- irresolution
- wavering

## Related Forms
- steadfast
- stead

## Roots and Affixes
- Root: stedefæst

## Etymology
From 'steadfast' (Old English 'stedefæst', firm in place) plus the native noun-forming suffix '-ness'.

## AI Etymology
Steadfastness is from 'steadfast' (Old English 'stedefæst', firm in place) plus the native noun-forming suffix '-ness'. Important recorded forms include stedefæst (Old English). Morphologically, the native -ness suffix turns an adjective or quality word into an abstract noun naming the state or condition. The modern sense continues the older lexical line without requiring a separate origin. In current use it covers firm and unwavering loyalty, resolve, or constancy. The wider family includes related words such as steadfast and stead.

## Topics
- Abstract Ideas
- Word Formation & Derivatives

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