adami
C1formal
Definition
Meaning
Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind; extremely determined, firm, and unyielding.
Can describe a person's attitude, stance, or a position or material (e.g., a substance like diamond) that is extremely hard and unbreakable.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries connotations of stubbornness or principled resolve, depending on context. Primarily used to describe people, their attitudes, or their decisions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Slightly more common in UK political/journalistic contexts.
Connotations
Equally formal in both variants. Slightly more literary or emphatic in US usage.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in both formal writing and speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
BE + adamant + that-clauseBE + adamant + about + NP/V-ingBE + adamant + in + NP/V-ingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms; the word itself is used idiomatically]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The board was adamant about not lowering the dividend."
Academic
"The researcher remained adamant in defending her methodological approach."
Everyday
"My parents were adamant that I finish university."
Technical
In geology/mineralogy: 'adamantine' refers to a diamond-like lustre or hardness.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- She shook her head adamantly.
- He argued adamantly for the policy change.
American English
- They adamantly denied the allegations.
- She insisted adamantly on her version of events.
adjective
British English
- She was absolutely adamant that the meeting should go ahead.
- Despite the pressure, he remained adamant in his refusal.
American English
- He's adamant about not raising taxes.
- The coach was adamant: practice was mandatory.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My mum was adamant. I had to clean my room.
- The teacher was adamant that homework must be handed in on time.
- Despite the new evidence, the official remained adamant about the original decision.
- The minister was adamant in her refusal to countenance any compromise on the environmental standards.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the mythical 'Adamant' as an unbreakable metal, or remember 'ADAM' + 'ANT' – Adam the ant refuses to move from his spot.
Conceptual Metaphor
HARDNESS IS RESOLVE (e.g., 'He was rock-solid in his decision.').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'адамант' (a rare, poetic/literary term for diamond). In most contexts, translate as 'непоколебимый', 'непреклонный', 'твёрдый' (in opinion).
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a noun to mean 'a stubborn person' (archaic/rare). Incorrect: *'He is such an adamant.' Correct: 'He is adamant.'
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'adamant' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral; context determines the connotation. It can be positive (principled, resolute) or negative (stubborn, obstinate).
Historically, yes (meaning a legendary hard stone, like diamond), but in modern English it is overwhelmingly used as an adjective.
'Adamant' is more formal and often implies a firmness based on principle or conviction. 'Stubborn' is more informal and generally has a more negative connotation of unreasonable refusal to change.
Common patterns: 'be adamant that + clause', 'be adamant about + noun/gerund' (e.g., about the change, about leaving).