Stalwart

adjective /ˈstɔːl.wət/ — Loyal, reliable, and dependably strong

Definition

Resolutely firm and unwavering in support or commitment — strong in a steady, dependable way rather than a showy one.

Beyond the definition

The quality of someone who will still be there when everyone else has moved on. Not glamorous, but the most trustworthy kind of strength.

Origin & history

From Old Scottish 'stalwart', variant of 'stalworth' — from Old English 'stæl' (place, position) + 'weorþ' (worthy). Someone worth keeping in position.

Example sentences

Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.

She was a stalwart supporter of the cause long before it became fashionable.

Stalwart is not exciting, but it is the word for the people who hold things together.

His stalwart loyalty through the difficult years meant everything when the company recovered.

How to use it

This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.

Choose “Stalwart” when the meaning fits your context: Resolutely firm and unwavering in support or commitment — strong in a steady, dependable way rather than a showy one.

Synonyms

steadfast, resolute, reliable, loyal, dependable

Antonyms

unreliable, wavering, fickle, disloyal

Related words

Stalwart vs reliable

Reliable describes someone who consistently shows up and gets the job done. Stalwart carries an additional weight of moral courage and steadfast loyalty even under significant pressure or opposition.

Questions about this word

What does "Stalwart" mean?

Stalwart is adjective meaning: Loyal, reliable, and dependably strong. Resolutely firm and unwavering in support or commitment — strong in a steady, dependable way rather than a showy one.

Where does the word "Stalwart" come from?

From Old Scottish 'stalwart', variant of 'stalworth' — from Old English 'stæl' (place, position) + 'weorþ' (worthy). Someone worth keeping in position.

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