WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
stead•fast /ˈstɛdˌfæst/USA pronunciation
adj.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- fixed in direction:He gave her his best steadfast gaze but she didn't even blink.
- firm in purpose, faith, loyalty, etc.:a steadfast friend.
stead•fast
(sted′fast′, -fäst′, -fəst),USA pronunciation adj.
stead′fast′ly, adv.
stead′fast′ness, n.
- fixed in direction;
steadily directed:a steadfast gaze. - firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc., as a person:a steadfast friend.
- unwavering, as resolution, faith, adherence, etc.
- firmly established, as an institution or a state of affairs.
- firmly fixed in place or position.
- Middle English stedefast, Old English stedefæst. See stead, fast1 bef. 1000
stead′fast′ness, n.
- 2. sure, dependable, reliable, constant, unwavering. Steadfast, staunch, steady imply a sureness and continuousness that may be depended upon. Steadfast literally means fixed in place, but is chiefly used figuratively to indicate undeviating constancy or resolution:steadfast in one's faith.Staunch literally means watertight, as of a vessel, and therefore strong and firm; figuratively, it is used of loyal support that will endure strain:a staunch advocate of free trade.Literally, steady is applied to that which is relatively firm in position or continuous in movement or duration:a steady flow;
figuratively, it implies sober regularity or persistence:a steady worker. 4. 5. stable.
- 2. capricious, variable.
'steadfastness' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):