English edit

Etymology edit

Inherited from Middle English stedefastly, stedefastliche; equivalent to steadfast +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation edit

Adverb edit

steadfastly (comparative more steadfastly, superlative most steadfastly)

  1. In a steadfast manner; firmly; with conviction
    Synonym: resolutely
    He steadfastly refuses to go out with her.
    • 1912 January, Zane Grey, “The Fall of Balancing Rock”, in Riders of the Purple Sage [], New York, N.Y., London: Harper & Brothers Publishers, →OCLC, page 326:
      She saw him shake his tall form erect, look at her strangely and steadfastly, and then, noiselessly, stealthily slip away amid the rocks and trees.
    • September 8 2022, Stephen Bates, “Queen Elizabeth II obituary”, in The Guardian[1]:
      Monarch who through her seven decades of public service became a figure of fascination by remaining steadfastly private.
    • 2024 March 20, Christian Wolmar, “NAO report highlights lack of clarity and purpose”, in RAIL, number 1005, page 35:
      Hmm, yes, 'negotiations' is an interesting choice of words given that ministers have steadfastly refused to meet the unions for the past year; a clear case of industrial inaction.

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