steadfast

Everyday

1. Firm and loyal; not changing in what you believe or in who you support: a steadfast friend. tree →
2. Firm and not moving: a steadfast gaze. tree →

In the lessons

Used in stories, poems, the Bible and talk about values. It praises loyalty and faithfulness. Hans Christian Andersen wrote «The Steadfast Tin Soldier». In the Bible, «steadfast love» is used for God's faithful love. In The Wind in the Willows Rat, Mole and Badger stay steadfast friends to Toad.

Examples

• Rat was a steadfast friend to Mole. tree →
• The tin soldier stayed steadfast to the end. tree →
• She was steadfast in her belief that he was innocent. tree →
• The Psalms speak of God's steadfast love. tree →
• The dog waited, steadfast, by the door. tree →
• He gave her a steadfast look. tree →
• He looked at the little lady, she looked at him, and he felt that he was melting; but he remained steadfast, with his gun at his shoulder. tree →

Note

Adverb: steadfastly. Old spelling: stedfast. Similar: loyal, faithful, unwavering. Opposite: fickle, wavering.

In Jewish tradition

In the Psalms it means firm and fixed in trust in God, with a heart that does not waver.

Interpretation. Tradition reads it as David's wish to be faithful and unshaken, so that he can praise God with all his heart even in hard times.

Examples

• My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises, even with my glory. (Writings PSA.108.2, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adverb: steadfastly. Old spelling: stedfast. Similar: loyal, faithful, unwavering. Opposite: fickle, wavering.