granite

gran·ite

noun \ˈgra-nət\

Definition of GRANITE

1

: a very hard natural igneous rock formation of visibly crystalline texture formed essentially of quartz and orthoclase or microcline and used especially for building and for monuments

2

: unyielding firmness or endurance <the cold granite of Puritan formalism — V. L. Parrington>

— gran·ite·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

— gra·nit·ic \gra-ˈni-tik\ adjective

— gran·it·oid \ˈgra-nə-ˌtȯid\ adjective

Examples of GRANITE

1. <had the granite to see the project out to the end>

Origin of GRANITE

Italian granito, from past participle of granire to granulate, from grano grain, from Latin granum

First Known Use: 1646

Related to GRANITE

Synonyms: decidedness, decision, decisiveness, determinedness, firmness, determination, purposefulness, resoluteness, resolution, resolve, stick-to-itiveness

Antonyms: hesitation, indecision, indecisiveness, irresoluteness, irresolution, vacillation

Related Words: doggedness, obduracy, obdurateness, obstinacy, obstinateness, perseverance, persistence, persistency, stubbornness, tenaciousness, tenacity; certainty, certitude, confidence, sureness; alacrity, eagerness, gameness, readiness; backbone, fortitude, grit, iron, pluck, sand

Near Antonyms: doubt, incertitude, indetermination, uncertainty; aversion, disinclination, indisposition, reluctance, unwillingness

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Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale

Rhymes with GRANITE

gannet, planet