steadfastly held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steadfastly held" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a strong or unwavering belief, conviction, or attitude that someone possesses or maintains. Example: Despite facing numerous challenges, she steadfastly held onto her dream of becoming a doctor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"The Tatmadaw has steadfastly held on to the multiparty system for five years and progress has also been made.

The Guardian

As he had promised, he steadfastly held his right hand which "had offended" by signing the false recantations into the flame until it was consumed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it was typical of the vision of interplanetary travel that Dr. von Braun, who is assuming a new NASA job in Washington today, has steadfastly held since he was a boy in his native Germany.

The New York Times

He added, "Senator Nelson has steadfastly held to the belief that Dean acted arbitrarily and harshly," in denying the voices of Florida voters, who went to the polls in record numbers.

The New York Times

Standing in his way has been an obdurate fisherman and quarry worker, Michael Forbes, who has steadfastly held out against selling his home at the center of the resort.

Forbes

The Episcopal Church USA has steadfastly held its ground.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The government steadfastly holds onto engagement with Sinn Fein because it sees no other alternative.

The Guardian

Kate steadfastly holds out everything that is worthwhile about a relatively simple existence with her and the brood.

The New York Times

The most vocal protest came (and still comes) from Confederate heritage activists, who steadfastly hold on to the 1956 state flag, which bears the Southern Cross battle flag.

The New York Times

On my test car, the automatic transmission worked well in the normal "drive" mode, and it was smart enough to find the right gear and steadfastly hold it during mountain ascents.

The New York Times

He was most remembered, however, for steadfastly holding the president's line as the Watergate scandal unraveled the administration, from the first news of the break-in until Nixon's resignation in 1974; Ziegler accompanied Nixon when he left Washington.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steadfastly held" to convey a sense of unwavering commitment and conviction. It is particularly effective when describing beliefs, principles, or positions maintained in the face of opposition or adversity.

Common error

Avoid using "steadfastly held" in situations where a more neutral or less emphatic term would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly dramatic or biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steadfastly held" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a past participle, describing the manner in which something is held or maintained. As Ludwig AI states, it expresses an unwavering belief or conviction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "steadfastly held" is a grammatically correct and meaningful expression used to describe an unwavering belief or position. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate and common usage. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources, demonstrating a formal tone. While its usage is not exceptionally frequent, it effectively conveys a sense of strong conviction. When using this phrase, consider alternative expressions depending on the level of emphasis required. The expert rating reflects the phrase's grammatical correctness, source authority, and consistent usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firmly maintained

Replaces "steadfastly" with "firmly", emphasizing the strength of the belief or position.

resolutely upheld

Replaces "steadfastly held" with a more active and determined upholding of something.

unwaveringly supported

Focuses on the support aspect, highlighting consistency and lack of hesitation.

persistently defended

Emphasizes the ongoing effort to protect a belief or position from opposition.

tenaciously clung to

Highlights the act of holding onto something with great determination and resistance to letting go.

staunchly advocated

Shifts the focus to actively promoting and supporting a cause or belief.

doggedly pursued

Highlights the persistent and determined effort in following a course of action.

stubbornly retained

Emphasizes the inflexible and resistant nature of maintaining something.

steadily preserved

Focuses on the consistent effort to maintain and protect something over time.

invariably adhered to

Highlights the consistency and lack of deviation in following a rule or principle.

FAQs

How can I use "steadfastly held" in a sentence?

You can use "steadfastly held" to describe someone's strong belief or commitment, for example: "She "steadfastly held" onto her principles despite the pressure to compromise."

What are some alternatives to "steadfastly held"?

Some alternatives include "firmly maintained", "resolutely upheld", or "unwaveringly supported", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "steadfastly held" formal or informal?

"Steadfastly held" is generally considered a formal expression, suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts. It may sound somewhat out of place in casual conversation.

What does "steadfastly" emphasize in the phrase "steadfastly held"?

"Steadfastly" emphasizes the unwavering and resolute nature of the holding. It suggests a strong commitment and resistance to change or opposition.