steadfast

<font size="-1" face="arial, helvetica"> <p> <strong> <font color="#000066">Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 11, 2021 is:</font> </strong> </p> <p> <strong>steadfast</strong> &#149; \STED-fast\&nbsp; &#149; <em>adjective</em><br /> <p><em>Steadfast</em> means "firm in belief, determination, or <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adherence">adherence</a>."</p> <p>// The mayor is a <em>steadfast</em> supporter of bringing more businesses into the downtown area.</p> <p><a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steadfast">See the entry ></a></p> </p> <p> <strong>Examples:</strong><br /> <p>"I remain <em>steadfast</em> in my adoration of the glorious season we are now entering. Between crisp mornings and humidity-free afternoons—not to mention kaleidoscope leaves, 20-pound pumpkins, campfire perfume, … and a dozen other joys—the here and now is heaven on Earth." — Sam Venable, <em>The Knoxville (Tennessee) News-Sentinel</em>, 10 Oct. 2021</p> </p> <p> <strong>Did you know?</strong><br /> <p><em>Steadfast</em> has held its ground for many centuries. Its Old English predecessor, <em>stedefæst</em>, combines <em>stede</em> (meaning "place" or "<a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stead">stead</a>") and <em>fæst</em> (meaning "firmly fixed"). The word was first used in battle contexts to describe warriors who stood their ground, which led to its "immovable" sense. That sense gave way to the word's use as an adjective implying unswerving faith, loyalty, or devotion.</p> <br /><br /> </p> </font>