Adamant
/ˈædəmənt/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Adamant describes a person who is very strong and firm in their opinion or decision. When someone is adamant, they do not want to change their mind, even if others try to persuade them. It shows strong determination and unwillingness to give up.
Was this helpful?
⚡ See It in Action
Very firm and determined about an opinion or decision
- •She was adamant about finishing the project on time.
- •He remained adamant that he was right despite the evidence.
- •The teacher was adamant that no phones be used during the exam.
(Less common) Used to describe something very hard or unbreakable (old use)
- •The knight’s shield was said to be adamant and could not be broken.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "adamant" like "sure," but much stronger—like you are standing like a rock and will not move
- ✓Picture a big, hard diamond that cannot be broken or changed easily
- ✓It's the feeling when you decide something very clearly and won’t change no matter what others say
- ✓Sounds like "ADD-a-mint" → imagine adding a mint candy that is hard and will not melt or change
- ✓Think of a character in a story who refuses to change their mind, no matter the pressure
- ✓NOT like "maybe" or "unsure" which are weak and easy to change—adamant is very firm and strong
- ✓NOT like "stubborn" (which can be negative)—adamant can be positive when standing for something important
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Firm: strong and steady in opinion or decision (Use when you want to say someone is strong but less forceful)
- •Determined: having a strong decision to do something (Use when focusing on effort and willpower)
- •Unwavering: not changing or becoming weaker (Use in formal or serious contexts)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix, root "adamant" from older English)
- •Etymology: From Latin "adamantem," meaning "hardest iron or diamond," through Old French and Middle English
- •Historical development: Originally meant something very hard or unbreakable; later used to describe strong will or firmness
- •Modern usage: Mostly used to describe a person’s strong, unchanging opinion or decision
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can being adamant be both good and bad? When might it help or hurt a situation?
•How do you feel when someone is adamant but you disagree with them? How should you respond?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.She was adamant ___ not changing her mind about the trip, even when friends suggested otherwise.
2.Being adamant often shows ___ and confidence in your beliefs.
3.Unlike someone who is flexible, an adamant person will ___ their opinion no matter what.
4.The manager was adamant ___ the new rules must be followed by everyone.
5.When you are adamant, it can sometimes make it hard to ___ with others.
6.He was adamant ___ finishing the work today, so he stayed late at the office.
7.Adamant people usually do not ___ easily to pressure or persuasion.