adak
C1Formal, literary, journalistic. Used to describe people, positions, attitudes, or refusal.
Definition
Meaning
refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind; unyielding, firm in purpose or opinion.
Emphasizes extreme determination and inflexibility, often despite pressure, appeals, or reason. Can imply stubbornness but also principled resolve.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Stronger than 'determined' or 'insistent'. Often carries a tone of confrontation or immovable opposition. Not typically used for objects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. Slightly more frequent in UK political/journalistic discourse.
Connotations
Equally strong in both. May sound slightly more formal in everyday US speech.
Frequency
Low-frequency in casual conversation but established in formal writing/speech in both variants.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be adamant that + clausebe adamant about + noun/gerundbe adamant in + noun (e.g., refusal, denial)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be adamant (no common idiomatic variation)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The union was adamant about the pay rise, leading to a stalemate in negotiations."
Academic
"Despite new evidence, the researcher remained adamant in her original hypothesis."
Everyday
"Mum was adamant that we finish our homework before watching TV."
Technical
Rare. More in policy/legal contexts: "The defendant was adamant in pleading not guilty."
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The minister was adamant that no further concessions would be made.
- She's been absolutely adamant about not selling the family house.
American English
- The coach was adamant about the team's need for more practice.
- He remained adamant in his decision to veto the bill.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My parents were adamant I should go to university.
- She was adamant she had seen him.
- The CEO was adamant in her refusal to compromise on safety standards.
- Despite the criticism, the author remained adamant about his controversial views.
- The judge was adamant that procedural rules had been breached and declared a mistrial.
- Environmental groups are adamant in their opposition to the proposed mining legislation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DIAMOND (sounds like 'adamant') – it's one of the hardest substances, impossible to scratch or change shape. An adamant person is similarly hard and unchangeable in their opinion.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOLIDITY / HARDNESS (An opinion/position is a solid object). RESISTANCE (To pressure is to resist physical force).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'адамант' (a poetic/archaic term for diamond). The English adjective is unrelated to the noun 'diamond' in modern use. Translate as 'непреклонный', 'непоколебимый', 'твердый (в своем решении)'. Avoid 'упрямый' if the context is positive/resolute.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a noun (e.g., 'He is an adamant' – INCORRECT). Confusing it with 'adamantine' (literary/poetic equivalent). Using with 'to' incorrectly (e.g., 'adamant to do' – prefer 'adamant about doing' or 'adamant that he do').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best captures the meaning of 'adamant'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, in modern English 'adamant' is solely an adjective. The archaic noun form (meaning a legendary hard substance) is obsolete.
'Adamant' is more formal and can be neutral or positive, emphasizing principled resolve. 'Stubborn' is more informal and generally negative, implying irrational inflexibility.
Both are correct. 'Adamant about + noun/gerund' (She was adamant about leaving). 'Adamant that + clause' (She was adamant that she would leave).
It's not an everyday word. It's more common in news, formal discussions, or writing to emphasize a strong, unchangeable position.