Origin: before 1000; Middle English stedefast, Old English stedefæst. See stead, fast1 Related formsstead·fast·ly, adverb
stead·fast·ness, noun
o·ver·stead·fast, adjective
o·ver·stead·fast·ly, adverb
o·ver·stead·fast·ness, noun
EXPANDun·stead·fast, adjective
un·stead·fast·ly, adverb
un·stead·fast·ness, noun
COLLAPSESynonyms
2. sure, dependable, reliable, constant, unwavering. Steadfast, staunch, steady imply a sureness and continuousness that may be depended upon. Steadfast literally means fixed in place, but is chiefly used figuratively to indicate undeviating constancy or resolution: steadfast in one's faith. Staunch literally means watertight, as of a vessel, and therefore strong and firm; figuratively, it is used of loyal support that will endure strain: a staunch advocate of free trade. Literally, steady is applied to that which is relatively firm in position or continuous in movement or duration: a steady flow; figuratively, it implies sober regularity or persistence: a steady worker. 4, 5. stable.
Antonyms
2. capricious, variable.