Word of the Day

: August 5, 2008

steadfast

adjective STED-fast

What It Means

1 a : firmly fixed in place : immovable

b : not subject to change

2 : firm in belief, determination, or adherence : loyal

steadfast in Context

Maureen knew she could count on the steadfast support of her best friend even in the hardest of times.

Did You Know?

"Steadfast" has held its ground in English for many centuries. Its Old English predecessor, "stedefæst," combined "stede" (meaning "place" or "stead") and "fæst" (meaning "firmly fixed"). An Old English text of the late 10th century, called "The Battle of Maldon," contains our earliest record of the word, which was first used in battle contexts to describe warriors who stood their ground. Soon, it was also being used with the broad meaning "immovable," and as early as the 13th century it was applied to those unswerving in loyalty, faith, or friendship. Centuries later, all of these meanings endure.