steadfast

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 5, 2008 is: steadfast • \STED-fast\ • adjective 1 a : firmly fixed in place : immovable b : not subject to change 2 : firm in belief, determination, or adherence : loyal Examples: 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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.