granite

noun

gran·​ite ˈgra-nət 

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

granitelike

ˈgra-nət-ˌlīk 

adjective

granitic

gra-ˈni-tik 

adjective

granitoid

ˈgra-nə-ˌtȯid 

adjective

Synonyms

• decidedness
• decision
• decisiveness
• determination
• determinedness
• firmness
• purposefulness
• resoluteness
• resolution
• resolve
• stick-to-itiveness

Examples of granite in a Sentence

had the granite to see the project out to the end

Recent Examples on the Web

The binder utilized in the concrete is made of granite instead of traditional greenhouse-gas-emitting limestone cement. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 1 Oct. 2024

Yosemite National Park, best known for its striking granite cliffs and towering waterfalls, is the state's most popular. —Kate Murphy, Axios, 24 Sep. 2024

For instance, new routes are being developed among the granite cliffs and boulders at Inks Ranch. 4. —Alex Temblador, Outside Online, 23 Sep. 2024

Billowing aromas of hickory, blackberry, prunes, red cherries, wet granite, forest fire smoke and a smorgasbord of opulent and succulent flavors. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

granite

noun

gran·​ite ˈgran-ət 

1

: a very hard rock that can be polished and is used in buildings and monuments

2

: unyielding firmness (as of character, will, or opinion)