Definition of ADAMANT (original) (raw)
: unshakable or insistent especially in maintaining a position or opinion : unyielding
an adamant insistence on doing things his own way
was adamant about making the change
1
: a stone (such as a diamond) formerly believed to be of impenetrable hardness
2
: an unbreakable or extremely hard substance
"Trust not in your gold and silver, trust not in your high fortresses; for, though the walls were of iron, and the fortresses of adamant, the Most High shall put terror into your hearts and weakness into your councils …"—
George Eliot
Did you know?
A person who is adamant about something has formed an opinion or taken a position that is not going to change because the person is determined to keep that opinion or position. If you're adamant about a decision you've made, no one can convince you that it was a mistake. If you're adamant that something be done (or not be done), you insist that it be (or not be) so.
The adjective dates to the early 1800s but it comes from a much older—and now much less common—noun. An adamant is an imaginary stone of impenetrable hardness. Historically, the word applied to actual stones (and other substances) believed to be impenetrable; in the 17th century the word was used as a synonym of diamond. The noun adamant comes from a Latin word meaning "material of extreme hardness, diamond."
One side note: however adamant the Adams in your life tend to be, the name Adam is not related etymologically to the word adamant. Adam comes from the Hebrew word 'āḏām, meaning "human being."
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for adamant
inflexible in their demands
obdurate stresses hardness of heart and insensitivity to appeals for mercy or the influence of divine grace.
obdurate in his refusal to grant clemency
adamant implies utter immovability in the face of all temptation or entreaty.
adamant that the work should continue
Examples of adamant in a Sentence
Adjective
I am keen not to share my genetic code with my insurer, I am keen that my doctor should know it and use it, but I am adamant to the point of fanaticism that it is my decision. —Matt Ridley, Genome, 1999 Arrive to find child physically intact but … adamant that he will not remain another minute in Ski Bunny program. Despite their 'professionalism,' staff members eagerly concur. —Christopher Buckley, New Yorker, 10 Mar. 1997 In the years following the First World War, the debts of our wartime allies and others came to be considered a serious burden on international commerce and well-being. Calvin Coolidge was adamant on repayment. —John Kenneth Galbraith, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 1986
We've tried to talk him into coming with us, but he's adamant about staying here. remained adamant about getting the actor's autograph even after he had disappeared backstage
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rocky has been adamant in declaring his innocence, refusing what many considered a decent plea deal before the trial got underway. —Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 29 Jan. 2025 Such a lineup is unknown territory for the festival, but Blanc was adamant not to deviate from the carte blanche principle for selections. —Lily Templeton, WWD, 29 Jan. 2025
Payton’s adamant that the NFL is a week-to-week league. —Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2024 But Ballard’s adamant that there is no way to know how things will shake out once the draft begins. —The Indianapolis Star, 23 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for adamant 
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
from attributive use of adamant entry 2
Noun
Middle English, "diamond, material of extreme hardness, lodestone," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin adamant-, adamās "material of extreme hardness, diamond," borrowed from Greek adamant-, adámas, probably a borrowing from a substratal or Near Eastern source, conformed by folk etymology to a- a- entry 2 and the stem of the verb dámnēmi "(I) tame, subdue, conquer"
First Known Use
Adjective
1816, in the meaning defined above
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of adamant was before the 12th century
Dictionary Entries Near adamant
Cite this Entry
“Adamant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adamant. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 1 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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