Agency Dictionary

Steadfast

adjectivePronunciation: /ˈstɛd.fɑːst/

In Portuguese: Firme

What does “Steadfast” mean?

Resolutely firm and unwavering in purpose, loyalty, or moral direction. In aesthetic philosophy, it characterizes an uncompromising dedication to truth.

Etymology

From Old English stedefæst, through Middle English stedefast. It joins stead, "place, position", and fast in its older sense of "firm, fixed", so the literal meaning is "fixed in place". Close relatives exist in other Germanic languages. From a body that does not move, the word passed to a mind, a loyalty or a purpose that does not waver.

Usage note

A slightly formal, approving word, used of loyalty, faith, support and resolve. It praises constancy, where stubborn blames it.

Synonyms

resolute
unwavering
constant
staunch
unshakable
loyal

Word family

steadfastly
steadfastness
steady
stead

Usage examples

It states that we have to be steadfast (rock) and not waver (roll).

Concept

Artistic UnityArtistic unity is the foundational aesthetic principle wherein every disparate element of a creative work synthesizes into a cohesive, purposeful, and indivisible whole…

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Issue.14 - ZephyrApril 30, 2023Read the edition

Words of the same theme

Antithesisnoun: A person, thing, or concept that represents the direct or exact opposite of another.
Discursiveadjective: Proceeding by reasoned argument or sequential exposition rather than by immediate visual intuition.
vocationnoun: A strong innate inclination or sense of purpose toward a particular career, craft, or calling.
Synchronicitynoun: The simultaneous occurrence of events that appear meaningfully related yet lack a direct causal connection.
Treatisenoun: A formal, systematic, and comprehensive written work dealing methodically with the principles and evidence of a particular philosophical, scientific, or technical subject.
Maximnoun: A concise statement expressing a fundamental principle, general truth, or practical rule of conduct.
Resiliencenoun: The capacity to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties, tough conditions, or shock.
Stigmanoun: A mark of social disgrace, shame, or prejudice associated with a particular circumstance, trait, or behavior.
clevernessnoun: The mental quality of being quick-witted, agile, and ingenious in solving specific situational problems.
rhetoricnoun: The art of effective and persuasive speaking or writing, especially through strategic linguistic devices.
Tangibleadjective: Perceptible by the sense of touch or capable of being physically grasped and measured in concrete physical reality. It distinguishes concrete material products from virtual or intellectual entities.
collective consciousnessnoun: The set of beliefs, ideas and feelings shared by the members of a society, which exists beyond any single person. By extension, what a community knows and repeats in common.

Also from these editions: terms

Amalgamationnoun: The process of combining or uniting multiple distinct elements, genres, or organizations into a single coherent body. In music, it describes fusion between traditions.
Axiomnoun: A proposition or statement accepted as true without proof, serving as a premise for further reasoning. In logic, it forms the foundation of deductive systems.
Catharticadjective: Providing psychological relief through the open expression and release of strong or repressed emotions.
Deflectornoun: A device or shield designed to redirect the path of an oncoming particle, projectile, or beam of energy. In science fiction, it denotes protective barriers.
Dichotomynoun: A division or contrast between two things that are represented as entirely opposed or mutually exclusive. In cultural discourse, it often oversimplifies multifaceted realities.
Hermeneuticsnoun: The branch of knowledge that deals with interpretation, especially of literary texts and philosophical works. It examines how meaning is mediated through linguistic context.
Hiatusnoun: A pause or gap in a sequence, activity, or series of creative works. In the music industry, it denotes an indefinite period where a group halts collaborative production.
Incongruousadjective: Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something. In artistic critique, it denotes striking dissonance between tone and theme.
Messiahnoun: A leader or savior regarded as the liberator or redeemer of an oppressed group. In cultural commentary, it metaphorically denotes an artist upon whom followers project salvation.
Shrapnelnoun: Fragments of a bomb, shell, or other object thrown out by an explosion. In narrative storytelling, it symbolizes the sudden traumatic scatter of destructive forces.
Zephyrnoun: A light, gentle, and refreshing breeze that carries pleasant warmth or seasonal change. In literary usage, it symbolizes gentle inspiration and restorative movement.