adamant
UK /ˈæd.ə.mənt/ US /ˈæd.ə.mənt/ Syllables: ad-a-mant
Quick answer
Completely unwilling to change your mind or position, even under pressure.
Adamant describes a person who refuses to change their mind, however hard others try to persuade them. If you are adamant that you did nothing wrong, you will not accept any other view. The word is stronger than firm and carries a note of stubbornness, so it can show strength of character or simply a refusal to listen. It is often used with about, that, or against.
"He remained adamant that he had locked the door before leaving."Meanings
- Refusing to change your mind or to be persuaded.
- Very firm and not willing to give way.
Example sentences
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"She was adamant that she would not sign the contract."
Level C1, Meaning 1
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"He remained adamant despite all the advice."
Level C1, Meaning 1
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"The mayor is adamant about keeping the park open."
Level C1, Meaning 1
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"They were adamant in their refusal to move."
Level C1, Meaning 2
Synonyms and antonyms
Look-alikes and common mistakes
- stubborn : Stubborn is a criticism: someone who will not listen. Adamant is more neutral and describes a firm decision.
Word family and forms
Word partners
Words and phrases that often go with "adamant".
- adamant that
- remain adamant
- adamant refusal
- adamantly opposed
- adamant about
- an adamant supporter
Origin
Adamant comes from the Greek word adamas, which meant unbreakable or invincible, and it was once the name of the hardest imaginable stone. English diamond is a doublet of adamant: two words that grew from the same Greek source.
Checked against: Wiktionary, the free dictionary, Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
Usage notes
"Adamant" is usually followed by "that" plus a clause, as in "adamant that she was right", or by "about", as in "adamant about the plan".
How to remember it
Adamant sounds like "a diamond", and it really is a cousin: the hardest stone and the hardest mind.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "She was _____ that she would not sign the contract."
Answer: adamant
In your own words, what does "adamant" mean?
Completely unwilling to change your mind or position, even under pressure.
Learn next at C1
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- allay To make a fear, doubt, or worry less intense.
Sources and credits
- Wiktionary, the free dictionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) · used for the origin, pronunciation · checked Oct 19, 2026
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary · used for the origin · checked Oct 19, 2026
Last reviewed October 19, 2026. Report a mistake on this page