steadfast etymology

Etymology

• Old English staðfæst, meaning "firm, stable, constant, steadfast"
• From Proto-West Germanic staðafasts
• From Proto-Germanic staðafazdaz
• From Proto-Indo-European steh₂- ("to stand, to be firm") + *-to-fazdaz ("fasten, make firm")

Meaning

• Firm or unyielding in purpose, opinion, or resolution
• Constant, unwavering, or loyal

Origin

The word "steadfast" originated in the late 12th century as an adjective describing someone who is firmly established or fixed in a position or belief. It was originally used in a physical sense, such as to describe a building that was strongly constructed or a person who was firmly planted on their feet. Over time, the word took on a more figurative meaning, referring to someone who is unwavering in their convictions or loyalty.

The word "steadfast" is related to the word "stead," which means "a place to stand." This suggests that the original meaning of "steadfast" was "firmly rooted in place." Over time, the word came to be applied more metaphorically to describe someone who is unwavering in their beliefs or loyalties.

The word "steadfast" is a powerful word that can be used to describe someone who is truly worthy of our admiration. It is a person who is not easily swayed by the opinions of others and who is always willing to stand up for what they believe in.

steadfast relate terms

• fast

  Etymology Fast derives from the Middle English word faste which means to refrain from

• fast

  Etymology Fast derives from the Middle English word faste which means to refrain from

• fast

  Etymology Fast derives from the Middle English word faste which means to refrain from

• stead

  Etymology Old English stede meaning place location spot Proto West Germanic staða

• stand

  Etymology Old English standan from Proto Germanic standaną related to Old High

• instead

  Etymology Instead is derived from the Old English word in stæðe meaning in the pla

• steady

  Etymology Middle English stedi from Old English stæðig meaning firm constant P

• steadfast

  Etymology Old English staðfæst meaning firm stable constant steadfast From Proto

• stead

  Etymology Old English stede meaning place location spot Proto West Germanic staða

• staunch

  Etymology Old French estanche Late Latin stanticare from Latin stare to stand

• firm

  Etymology The word firm derives from the Latin word firmus meaning strong stead

• stiff

  Etymology Middle English stif stive styf from Old English stif stiff rigid dif

• stable

  Etymology The word stable comes from the Latin word stabilis meaning firm or stea

• constant

  Etymology Latin constans present participle of constare to stand firm or fixed Pr

• perdurable

  Etymology The word perdurable is derived from the Late Latin word perdurabilis which

• duress

  Etymology Duress comes from the Old French word duresse meaning hardship or sever

• rack

  Etymology Middle English rake from Old English racu meaning heap pile ridge Prot

• epitome

  Etymology of Epitome The word epitome originates from the Greek word epitome meaning

• speed

  Etymology Speed comes from the Old English word spēd which means success prosper